His premier class future is with KTM, but Pol Espargaro (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) remains wholeheartedly dedicated to the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team in 2016. Espargaro is one of just four riders to score points in every MotoGP™ World Championship race, granting him a total of 59 points and sixth in the championship on the eve of round eight. In Barcelona the Spaniard took fifth place, matching his best result of the year from Le Mans, this performance was quickly followed by a positive day of testing in Barcelona. His times during the test may not have grabbed any headlines but important data was gathered and Espargaro heads to the Motul TT Assen more prepared than ever.
Assen is one of several circuits where Espargaro has taken to the podium multiple times, winning the 2013 Moto2™ race there on his way to the title and clinching third in the 2010 125cc race. His results in Assen have remained strong since stepping up to the premier class, taking fifth in 2015 in the midst of an up and down season. Podiums are always going to be difficult aboard an independent team bike, but throw in some wet weather and anything is possible.
Pol Espargaro: “As always I am looking forward to heading back to the famous Assen circuit where I will carry on the fight to be as close to the factory MotoGP riders as possible. At the last round, which was my home GP, I was very happy to get fifth which equaled my best result of the season. Then, we undertook a useful test the following day and collected some important data, which will certainly help us in the future. Therefore, I am confident that we can have a positive weekend once again, in the Netherlands. For sure the weather will be important and there might be a chance of rain, so we really need to be focused from the first session onwards in order to be prepared in case of bad weather. However, I am determined to do well and it’s always a pleasure to ride at Assen.”