Pol Espargaro intends to continue with Red Bull KTM factory team in the 2018 season. He promised to maintain and give the team everything.
In 2016 KTM announced that it has signed a two-year contract with Espargaro, for the 2017 and 2018 MotoGP seasons. The change from Yamaha Tech3 to KTM won’t be dramatic shift though, as the 26-year-old rider joined his team-mate, Bradley Smith, at the team as well.
Espargaro was expected on the side of Austria. Package for winter testing in Thailand then dropped in Qatar, he wanted to give details on his fitness a few days before the Grand Prix opening.
“I wanted to be present in Qatar, even if I was not 100% of my physical abilities. I also preferred to preserve the second day, but fortunately KTM had asked Mika to be present to ensure the continuity of development with Bradley.” Espargaro said.
“Between Buriram and Losail, I lost some driving time. That being the case I had a few extra days to recover and I’m getting better and better now.” Espargaro added.
The 2017 season had started with trouble getting into the top-15. Espargaro finished it in the fight for places among the top ten. The curve must continue its upward path, while KTM will have four bikes next year.
“We never stop progress at KTM. Last year we were last on the grid, while at the end of the season we got several top-10s.” Espargaro said.
“This category is still contested, so we will try to pick up where we left off. Reaching tops-6 on a few rounds would be good.” the Spaniard added.
Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith during the unveiling of Red Bull KTM livery. (Source:www.redbull.com)
The Austrian manufacturer on the other hand, they said on Monday that Red Bull KTM will replace Yamaha as partners to Tech3 MotoGP team in next 2019 season. According to the Tech3 boss Herve Poncharal, the deal will run for three years.
“We always tried to be the official Yamaha junior team but never really the case. That will be the case where we are going.” Poncharal said.
“We are going to have three-year contract and that would allow Tech3 to have motorcycles identical to those of the official team.
“This is one of the reasons why the French team separated from Yamaha, after the Japanese brand decided not to give more support to Johann Zarco” Poncharal added.
