The Spaniard, who was the fastest in the pre-season tests held in Indonesia, finally finished ninth on the time sheet at the end of the first day of work at the start of the season in Qatar.
However, Pol Espargaró was consistent, leading the times with less than 10 minutes to go, and in his last attack on the time he managed to drop to 1.53.963, a fast lap but not enough to be in the top. although it practically guarantees the direct pass this Saturday to the official qualifier.
“I think I could have done a little more in the second test. But being in Q2 (provisionally) without having done a perfect lap makes me quite happy,” admitted the Catalan at the end of the day.
The most important thing at this start of the season for Honda riders is to confirm that the RC213V was born on the right foot and is a competitive bike.
“When you’re confident you shouldn’t change the bike too much. You’re fast, period. I feel strong enough to fight for something important in Q2,” Polyccio warned.
The improvements on the bike are evident, as is also shown by the fact that Marc Márquez is second in the times, and that all the brand’s riders have adapted well to the new mount.
“The entrance of the curves was a nightmare last year. The confidence that I now have when entering the curves is impressive. My driving style has returned,” celebrated the Granollers rider.
Pol led the times in the tests in Indonesia and feels that he maintains the good feeling with the bike.
“We are just as competitive as in preseason. Last year, pushing as hard as we could, we were three tenths away from entering Q2.”
However, the youngest of the Espargaró warns that they are not alone on this path to success: “Suzuki has improved a lot,” he says cautiously.
The Honda rider was also asked about the changes at Ducati, where the official riders have diverted their route from the rest of the riders with the GP22.
“I was one of those who thought that Ducati was not keeping anything to itself. Now, with everything that is being seen about the engines, we are beginning to see what is happening. Starting a year without having a clear line does not please any brand”, rated #44.
