Having grown up in the shadow of the track, Pol Espargaro knows every inch of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. In 2006 the young rider made his debut in the 125cc World Championship, qualifying down in 27th and charging up through the field to 13th. The Catalan GP was also where Pol Espargaro took his first ever pole position, again in the 125cc class but in 2008. Then in 2013, on his way to the Moto2™ World Championship title, he took his first win at the track. He has only once finished a race in the top class at home, taking seventh on his debut before unfortunately crashing out of the 2015 edition.
Espargaro returns home looking to also return to form, the Spaniard suffering a fall in Mugello and remounting to take 15th place, his worst result of the year. Once again venturing into parc ferme as the top Independent Team rider remains Espargaro’s goal for the weekend. With 48 World Championship points, Pol Espargaro is just a single point behind his brother in the championships standings. He also sits as the leading Independent Team rider, Hector Barbera (Avintia Racing) five points behind.
Pol Espargaro: “I am very excited for this weekend because not only is it my home race, but I am looking forward to putting on a good show for my fans who mean a lot to me. The atmosphere there is always electric and their support really spurs me on, so I will do my absolute best to give them something to cheer about. I have spent a lot of time on this track, but it will never get boring because it really is a spectacular circuit and one that challenges every aspect of our riding. The straight is long so the Ducati’s will have a slight advantage, yet, the Yamaha enjoys the corners and is always strong there, so it will be close plus I think we can be at the front of the independent battle on Sunday afternoon. Last weekend’s race ended in a disappointing way for me, however, I am ready to turn everything around and have a positive race in Montmelo.”