Pol: "I feel faced with a match point every time I get on the Honda"

February 17, 2022

There is probably none of the four Honda riders who is happier than Pol Espargaró with the change in concept that materialized this winter in the RC213VR . And not only because he verbalizes it every time he is asked, but because the stopwatch has made it clear this preseason.

Both in Sepang and, above all, in Mandalika, from where the youngest of the brothers from Granollers (Barcelona) came out with the absolute best time.

The 2022 Honda Prototype is fast over one lap and, at least for the time being, has also been very solid on longer runs. Regardless of the external appearance, the main difference with respect to the previous model is the gain in grip of the rear axle, precisely what Espargaró missed the most and demanded the most, in order to avoid those falls that so undermined his confidence last season.

The contrast is tremendous: in 2021, Polyccio was the third rider with the most accidents (20), while in the five days of preseason he did not record any.

This revolution in the Honda could not have come at a better time for the Catalan, who in his first year dressed in the overalls of the Repsol-sponsored team could not meet the expectations generated –he added a single podium–, and whose contract expires in End of the year.

While Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo let themselves be loved, the manufacturer of the golden wing prefers to give Espargaró the opportunity to exhibit his best version, with a tool much more to his liking. He does not give himself a big margin prize, but rather, in Qatar, in less than three weeks, he is required to fight to get on the podium.

“I want to fight for the podium in Losail. There is no other option if we want to fight for the title. It will not be easy because there are many candidates, because there are many Ducati who, moreover, go very fast there. goal and I can’t wait any longer”, acknowledged Espargaró, from Mandalika, in a chat with Motorsport.com.

Achieving that “target” you refer to would put you in the best position to extend your deal with HRC.

“I feel like I’m facing a match point every time I get on the bike. Not for Honda, not for my future, but for me; for proving to myself that I deserve to wear these colors,” added the Spaniard.

“That doesn’t mean always finishing first, but rather showing Honda that, after the effort it has made this winter, the bike can be competitive. Honda deserves to have a rider who is capable of fighting for the top positions,” the #44 riveted. .

The best photos of Pol Espargaró in the 2022 MotoGP preseason

Pol Espargaró, Repsol Honda Team, Darryn Binder, RNF Racing

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Photo by: MotoGP

Pol Espargaro, Repsol Honda Team, Darryn Binder, RNF Racing