The first day on Pol Espargarò’s Honda went to the archive with the 17th final time, just over 9 tenths from Bradl, the fastest on the RC213V. All in all, it did not go too badly for the debut on what is described by everyone as a critical bike, a judgment that, however, the Spaniard does not feel like fully endorsing.
“The Honda is a complicated bike, no doubt, but all MotoGP bikes are – points out – It also depends a lot on your riding style, I would find a bike that requires a high cornering speed more difficult than the Honda.”.
So what is the balance of this first day?
“I would say it went well, I worked on basic things, like the position in the saddle, the goal was to learn as much as possible, in fact I was the first to enter the track and I ran out of tires I had available for today. Now I have a packet of data to study, tonight my head will work a lot and I’m sure tomorrow will be better”.
What are the differences with the KTM?
“They are two very different bikes, but with both you have to fight to be fast. I got along well with the Honda, the most important thing is to understand the front, to do that I’ll just have to push harder. I’m not saying it’s particularly complicated, but when you change bikes that’s the hardest part, with the rear it’s easier. It just takes more time, you have to force the braking, push until I fall and then I’ll have found the limit”.
Have you looked at Marquez’s data?
“I looked at Bradl’s, who was the fastest today, in some places we are similar, but in others he is faster, he has more confidence in the front. He knows the limit of the bike better than me, I just need temp0. I didn’t go to the limit today”.
In general, did it go better or worse than you expected?
“I had no expectations, I arrived with a neutral attitude and I think it was a good day for being the first on the Honda. I still have to learn many things, in fact I do the same times with a new tire and with a used one after 18 laps”.
Have you already started sewing the bike on you?
“It is not good to change the bike every 5 laps, especially when everything is new, you have to get used to its character first. When I get to the level of the other riders then I will adapt the bike to me, for now I have to adapt to her”.
How did you find the engine?
“It is very different from the KTM one, for how it gives power both at high and low revs, it is difficult to make a comparison”.
How did you find yourself in the box?
“I tried to talk to everyone, they gave me a lot of advice, too many to be able to absorb them all. Takeo pushes me a lot, I drive his little girl and in Honda they are used to winning”.
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