02/25/2021 |
MotoGP employees |
MotoGP
With the Qatar MotoGP test approaching, nine riders set out on the new Circuit de Barcelona layout yesterday to warm up for the 2021 season.
2021 is a year that will bring many changes, not least the man who starts the year as reigning world champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar). He was a headline presence accompanied by Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team), Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), Alex Marquez ( LCR Honda Castrol), his team-mate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) from the premier class.
“I feel great on the bike, I’m happy because I was able to do a lot of laps today and try out the new corner. It was important to understand how to do it and to find the right line in order to have an idea when we come back to the future with the MotoGP bike. A productive day, I’m happy about it and ready for Qatar, ”said Mir.
“I prepare just as I did before, train hard and try to be healthy, work on what I want every day. To be a better driver, to be more complete. I’m happy about the preseason we’re doing. “
HRC newcomer Pol Espargaro added: “All winters are long, but this one has been particularly long and has been waiting for this moment. I’m really looking forward to jumping on the bike to see what I can achieve where many riders have struggled.
“I have the opportunity to wear these colors and it’s a big responsibility for me, but a moment in my career that I’ve dreamed a lot about. I feel like now is my time and I will try to make it a reality.
“This winter I did a lot of dirt bikes, motocross and full throttle. For months, maybe a month and a half, just riding my bike and I really enjoy it.
“I’ve never driven so much motocross before. Every year I try to bring in something different to become a better pole and a better rider, and I think this year was the time to push more in motocross than in previous years and I’ve trained a lot. “
There were also many Moto2 and Moto3 riders present. Remy Gardner and Red Bull KTM Ajo team-mate Raul Fernandez were there, as were Marcos Ramirez (Tennor American Racing) and reigning Moto3 world champion Albert Arenas (Aspar Team Moto2) as he prepares for 2021 as a Moto2 rookie.
Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) competed for Moto3 while preparing to settle in with his new team, and riders like FIM Enel MotoE World Cup rider Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) are also joining the ranks.