The French MotoGP this weekend will of course be a special event for the home team Tech3.
But it will also be different than in the recent past, as local hero Johann Zarco is switching to the KTM factory team, while Tech3 is also making his Le Mans debut in “Orange” with rookie Miguel Oliveira and teammate Hafizh Syahrin.
“Your home game is always something very special,” said team manager Herve Poncharal.
“We still remember the incredible welcome we got from the people last year, which could certainly be a little different this year without a French guy on board, but Miguel still speaks French very well and is Hafizh I think popular.” with the French public. “
Zarco thrilled the local fans in 2017 with his first MotoGP podium in Tech3 colors at Le Mans. Last year a challenge to victory seemed possible when the # 5 qualified in pole position only to crash in the race.
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This year rookie Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha) has the best chance of a home podium.
“Last year, Claude Michy, the French Grand Prix organizer, had the highest attendance [of the season 105,203 fans] on Sunday and hopefully with Fabio Quartararo in MotoGP, Johann Zarco in factory KTM and the entire Tech3 team under the French flag, we can at least achieve this result and make this event something very special, “said Poncharal.
Tech3 arrives for round five after scoring seven points from the first four events, all courtesy of Oliveira.
“I really think the test on Monday after the tough Spanish Grand Prix was quite productive,” added Poncharal. “Thanks to KTM, we got a few novelties to test, all of which were very positive – not an immeasurable gain, but small gains and I think that’s how we will grow together. We were faster, had a more consistent lap time. ”, A better pace and more self-confidence for the drivers.
“Although we’ve never been [to Le Mans] With the KTM RC16 it should be a bit easier in my opinion than in Jerez. The weather will be a big question mark as always, but that will be the same for everyone except that our two boys never did a wet lap on the KTM.
“I think everyone and especially we are looking forward to dry conditions and hopefully sunshine.”
Le Mans is one of the few tracks where Oliveira hasn’t taken a podium in Moto2, but his goal is to fight for more MotoGP points after a distant 18th place in Jerez.
“Le Mans is a very nice track. It’s our team home GP so of course it’s very special for everyone, “he said.” I think after Jerez we have the right amount of work and the right direction so I think we basically do everyone can confirm the small step that we took in the Jerez test. “And there is now Le Mans during the entire Grand Prix.
“So I think we will have a good weekend and a goal close to the points or better within the points remains the goal. I am motivated and very interested in discovering this track on the MotoGP bike.”
Syahrin’s first goal will be to get closer to Oliveira.
“I’m really looking forward to Le Mans for my team’s home GP. I really like this track and have some good memories from last year, “said the Malaysian, who finished twelfth last season.
“I know it won’t be easy for us, but I think I can improve even if it takes some time to understand everything in this situation.
“I keep my motivation high and train hard. I never stop learning and I am convinced that the team will soon be better and stronger. I have prepared well so far this year, so let’s see what we can achieve in France.”