GasGas Tech3 rolled out the ‘red’ carpet for its RC16 on Saturday evening to launch Pol Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez’ 2023 MotoGP campaign.

A welcome return to both the team and Austrian manufacturer - having made his MotoGP debut with Tech3 before joining KTM in 2017 - sees Espargaro partnered by reigning Moto2 Champion Fernandez for the most demanding premier class season to date.

21 rounds and 42 races await the Spanish duo as the ‘all-new’ factory GasGas team joins the grid with Portugal’s season opener, and the introduction of sprint races, just three weeks away.

“I feel like I am coming back to my roots,” Espargaro said from the launch. “With Tech3 and the new brand we have a GasGas ‘mood’: friendly, close to people and we’re really hard workers, so I believe that if we fight and push together as a team we will be there.

“We will be right at the top. I think the potential is high on this bike.

“For sure we have a lot of work to do because the level in MotoGP right now is super-high but I think we can reach it,” he confirmed. “In Valencia for the first test I felt the DNA of the bike and when it matches your own DNA it makes you feel so good! The bike is almost ready to fight for something really great this year.”

“Well, I’m jumping into MotoGP with this confidence of being world champion and it’s good but honestly I don’t know what to expect in terms of positions,” rookie Fernandez admitted. “I’m looking forward to being competitive soon and trying to be in the battle with my teammate.

“I think I am facing the most important year of my career but I know I need to be patient.

“I am discovering everything that it means to be a MotoGP rider, a factory rider. But it’s good to see how many people you have behind you and not just your team; the whole factory that is waiting for you and your results. Portugal is coming soon and I’m really looking forward to it and it’s a dream come true: my debut in MotoGP. I honestly can’t wait.”