Suzuki’s MotoGP exit has really got the transfer carousel going. Alex Rins is fixed at LCR-Honda for next year. And it is also an open secret in the paddock that Joan Mir will dock with the Honda factory team and be Marc Márquez’s new teammate.
But even during the long summer break, there was no official confirmation from the team. When asked about his future at Silverstone, the 2020 world champion said that he is still not allowed and unable to comment.
Nevertheless, it has been clear for many weeks that Pol Espargaro will not keep his place at Honda. The Spaniard will return to the KTM family. However, he will be placed at Tech 3, because Brad Binder and Jack Miller already have contracts until the end of 2024.
“I can’t say anything yet, but my future is clear,” says Pol Espargaro at Silverstone. “I’ve already signed for the next two years. There will be an official announcement in the course of the next races.”
“I’m happy because I can go where I want”
Two weeks after Silverstone, the KTM home race in Spielberg is on the calendar. Pol Espargaro rode for KTM from 2017 to 2020. During this period he was instrumental in the development of the RC16.
The track record was six podium finishes and two pole positions. With his move to Honda, the 31-year-old couldn’t fulfill his desire to win races and fight for the world title.
On the other hand, KTM is changing its strategy in the medium term and focusing less on young drivers. With Miller they committed an experienced man from Ducati. And with Pol Espargaro, you also get an experienced racing driver back on board. You know and understand each other very well.
“I’m happy because I can go where I want,” says Pol Espargaro. “In racing it can always happen that you have to go home. The current situation with the motorcycles, but also with the salaries, is very difficult in MotoGP.”
“I’m a happy guy in that respect. I’ll get a very good bike and a very good salary. There will also be very good people around me. That’s what I wanted when Suzuki announced it was leaving MotoGP.”
Pol Espargaro didn’t say the word KTM. But when asked if he’ll ride a bike he knows, his laughing reply is, “Maybe, yes!” Who will be his teammate at Tech 3 is open. Remy Gardner had no news regarding his future to report at Silverstone on Thursday.