‘Step by step’ for GasGas MotoGP rookie as Espargaro targets points

Pol Espargaro is back on the RC-16 and ready to play with his new GasGas Tech3 team as MotoGP prepares for the 2023 Portuguese Grand Prix.

His tenth season in the premier class, Espargaro returns to the KTM family for 2023 and after a steady progress across pre-season testing is gearing up for 21 rounds and 42 races across the coming year.

“Finally we are about to start the MotoGP season in Portugal,” the Spaniard said. “With 21 rounds, this is going to be a very long season and we will need to stay consistent all year long. We worked very well in both Sepang and Portimao tests to start this new campaign in the best way possible.

“As the races go by, I think that our feeling on the bike will get better and better, and I hope that my personal feedback will be a great asset to improve the machine, so we can target points and get the results we want. Let’s Get On The Gas!”

Espargaro is joined at Tech 3 by the year’s only rookie rider, Moto2 World Champion Augusto Fernandez. With nine days on track to familiarise himself with the RC-16, the 25-year-old is just days away from his MotoGP debut with first practice set for 10:45 on Friday morning.

“After an intense pre-season and all the testing we did in both Sepang and Portimao, I am really excited to finally start the season and make my debut in the MotoGP class,” Fernandez confirmed. “Taking the start of my first MotoGP race is going to be a very special moment for me, but I am up for the task!

“I hope to improve my feelings from the last test and get closer to my teammate and the top guys. Everyday will be a learning experience, so let’s take it step by step!”