Tech3 KTM boss Herve Poncharal says the team has been left “really proud” after stand-in rider Pol Espargaro unexpectedly secured direct Q2 access during Friday practice at the Hungarian MotoGP.
Espargaro is deputising for the injured Maverick Vinales, who continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained at the German GP. Despite limited recent race mileage, the KTM test rider impressed with consistent speed at the brand-new Balaton Park circuit.
Having already subbed at the Czech GP earlier this summer—finishing ninth in both races—Espargaro was tipped to show some pace on Friday thanks to his private KTM test at Balaton in June. He duly went second fastest in FP1 on a fresh medium rear, before cementing eighth place in the afternoon and a direct passage into Q2.
He even lit up the timing screens with the fastest third sector split of the day.
“We knew he would be fast on Friday morning because he had some testing here, but we didn’t expect him to be that fast,” Poncharal admitted.
“He was testing a few things in the afternoon, which is why he was a bit down early on. But he is showing speed. He was already really quick with us in Czechia.”
Poncharal highlighted how valuable Espargaro’s contribution has been, adding:
“Pol, an almost-retired rider with direct Q2 access, and Enea [Bastianini] who is also having fun and enjoying the track and the RC16… Tonight we are a happy team.”
Espargaro’s weekend team-mate Enea Bastianini also continued his strong form, finishing fifth overall—just 0.354s off pacesetter Pedro Acosta on the factory KTM.
With Espargaro turning back the clock and Bastianini in fine rhythm, Tech3 heads into qualifying at Balaton Park in buoyant mood.
