Pol Espargaro says just being at the British MotoGP is enough of a ‘prize’ for him as he prepares to make a belated start to his 2023 MotoGP season following injury.

The GasGas Tech 3 rider suffered a series of injuries in an accident at the Portuguese MotoGP opener at Portimao, including a serious back injury and damage to his face that required him to have his jaw wired shut.

It means this weekend’s Silverstone event will be his first of the year and comes at a time of pressure as KTM determines how to include Pedro Acosta into its rider line-up for 2024.

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However, Espargaro is simply pleased to have made it back onto the MotoGP grid after more than four months on the sidelines.

“I am really happy to finally have the opportunity to come back after this tough period. I have been working more than ever in my life to arrive to this day, and for me, being in Silverstone is already a big prize. 

“I know that I will need to be patient, and that it will take time to be at my 100% again, with both my bike and my body, but I am full of energy to take on this challenge! Let’s get on the gas again!”