As the 2021 MotoGP World Championship gets closer, Pol Espargaro sat down with the Repsol Honda team ahead of his official debut to share his thoughts on joining the most iconic team in Grand Prix racing. A dream come true, Espargaro has made its intentions clear for 2021.
What does it mean to you to wear the Repsol Honda colors for the first time?
“Wearing these colors is something amazing. I’ve seen the best drivers in the world who have won titles and races in these colors for many years. These colors mean fame to me. It means that you have everything in your hands. They mean to be where every driver wants to be successful and where all drivers want to end. When I competed in 125cc, Moto2 and even MotoGP, this team was on the podium in practically every race. It’s amazing to see these colors next to your number. It’s very special.
“From the beginning it was very clear to me where I wanted to go, where I should be and where I wanted to see myself, to test myself and see what I was capable of. The best way to do this is to be on the best team in the world, with the best bike in the world and next to the best rider in the world. I think I’ll be joining the Repsol Honda team at the best time of my career. To be where you want to be at the right time is to fulfill a dream and therefore I am without a doubt fulfilling my dream right now. “
What do you think of the RC213V from what you’ve seen?
“I’ve seen this bike many times in photos and videos, and I see that it’s a pretty small bike. These shorter bikes that let you manage the bike the way you want tend to move a little more, but it’s the type of bike I love to ride. You are a big influence on the bike, you tell the bike what to do. Sometimes, for sure, you have to force the bike to do a thing or two that the bike doesn’t want to do, but it’s my way of riding. I like braking late and I’ve seen that every rider who has stepped on the Repsol Honda manages to brake very late and very aggressively; This benefits me a lot because of my driving style. “
What are your goals for the 2021 season?
“The main goal of the season cannot be other than to be on the podium or to win races or even the world title. We have to improve our results from last year, I’ve had a good year but it can be better and I’ll do my best. The first year won’t be easy, but I didn’t come to the Repsol Honda Team to fight for the top six in the championship. I came here to achieve the ultimate goal of my career, which is to become a MotoGP World Champion one day. You can certainly win races and achieve that goal here at Repsol Honda. “
What do you think you can contribute to the Repsol Honda team?
“I will try to give with my proactive attitude. great work, great effort, passion, love for this sport and sure results. To say that we are happy to be in the top 10 is not what the team is expecting and it’s not what I am expecting. I will do my best to achieve what this team has been doing over the years. “
What do you think the first test will look like?
“I can already say that I’ll be nervous, super nervous and shaking and I don’t think I’ll sleep the day before! This is a chapter in my life that I always wanted to imagine. I’m really looking forward to the moment when I get on my bike for the first time. I think it’s a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life and that I really want to enjoy. “
What’s it like to share a box with Marc Marquez?
“To share the team with Marc, I think it was another reason to join the Repsol Honda team. I’ve been fighting with Marc in the smaller categories for many years and I’ve had so much fun that I’ve grown with him by fighting race after race and that makes me the driver I am today. When you’re battling one of the greatest drivers in the world, you tend to improve much faster. The best way to improve is to be next to the man who is the same or even better than you. That’s why I’ve moved and I want to see my level compared to Marc, who is definitely one of the best on the grid. “
Is that a dream come true?
“When you imagine wearing these colors or riding this bike a lot and then finally doing it, it’s amazing. You reach your dreams; I live my dream. Yes, 100%. “