The fifth round of the MotoGP World Championship 2021 starts tomorrow with the French Grand Prix. As is so often the case, the weather conditions for the race weekend in Le Mans predict a wet track. Although he has always achieved good results on the Bugatti circuit, Pol Espargarò stated that he would prefer to drive on a dry track in order to further deepen his knowledge of the Honda RC213V.
“I’m very positive after having a good day of testing in Jerez – Pol said – I understood many things about the motorcycle and tried some very useful things in order to be able to take a step forward. ” Then he continued about Puig’s situation: “I don’t know whether Alberto will be in the garage or not. He and I get along well, both because we speak the same language and because we’ve known each other for a long time. It’s really easy between us to talk to each other and understand, he is very clear with me and I am with him, as for the Japanese staff, I try to get to know each of them in order to better work on the bike. Alberto is an important part of the Honda project and it’s difficult not to have him here. We all want him to come back soon, maybe he’ll hit the track. He’s already here but he’s still recovering and we don’t know if he’ll be on the track. “
The weather forecast says it will rain. What do you think?
“At the moment I’m still trying to find the right set-up for the bike to go fast in dry conditions. MeIf it rains this weekend I’m not saying it would be like starting over, but almost. I wish it hadn’t rained. If I had to be fast in the wet, it would be an isolated incident, then there would be Barcelona and I would have difficulties again. Looking at the weather forecast, it seems difficult. It’s very cold, then it rains, then it stops. I will try to do my best no matter what the conditions I find. “
Do you think the experience gained over the years will help you out when it rains?
“First of all, it has to be said that Le Mans is a track where I’ve always been fast in both the 125 and Moto2. In MotoGP, I’ve had some good races here with Yamaha and KTM. Last year, always in the rain, I was on the podium with the KTM. This place has always been a little magical to me. Anyway, in the past few years I’ve known more about the bike I rode. “”
Last weekend you said that you went different paths as a team. Did the tests help clarify your ideas or did the situation not change?
“I do the same job as Jerez. In the tests, we tried many things in terms of ergonomics, aerodynamics and electronics. It was a busy day. We have to try to improve every day, we can and we have to do that! ”.
You said it would take you about four general practitioners to understand the limit of the bike. Have you found it?
“Yes. The test on Monday helped me a lot. At Le Mans it is important to know the limits of the bike in different conditions and with different tires, each tire having a different reaction.”
As you said, Le Mans is a circuit where you’ve always been very strong. Could it be the turning point at Honda?
“I’m not the type to believe that there can be a real turning point in the middle of a GP. I think more than anything that there has to be a complete and perfect preparation In MotoGP everything has to be organized and structured. I don’t even think that a good result in a race can change the whole situation. I am sure that I have always been quick here and walk quickly. I am not very convinced that I can find the turning point. “