Tech3 KTM MotoGP team boss Herve Poncharal has high expectations for Danilo Petrucci and Iker Lecuona in the 2021 MotoGP series even after difficult pre-season testing.
Both of Poncharal’s riders failed to break into the top 15 on combined time with Petrucci the quickest but some 1.7s off the pace. However, the team is confident plenty of work has been going on at KTM HQ to provide some remedies.
“After a long winter, we are eventually back here in Losail, Qatar, where we had a five days test already a few days ago. We are very happy to restart another MotoGP season. I think this year is going to be another very exciting one for everybody, but also for Tech3 KTM Factory Racing,” said Poncharal.
“However, we have a new rider, Danilo Petrucci, who is a two times GP winner and who has been on a very competitive brand for a long time, plus we have Iker, who is entering his second season and is no rookie anymore. Clearly, our expectations are very high for these two guys”
“I would also like to point out, that we are extremely proud to wear the official KTM colours. I believe our entire setup; team uniform, colors of the bike and team complex looks really beautiful. It’s very easy to spot us on the track.
“As every year, there was a kind of a contest and I think we were elected by our team colleagues from the MotoGP grid for the best-looking bike. So, this is already something we won this year before we even start the Championship.”
“On the other hand, we have to say and we saw, that we were not in the best form at this circuit, which has never been an easier one for KTM yet.
“Nevertheless, after the five days I believe there was a lot of brain-storming in Mattighofen, Austria and I think that we can trust, rely and have a high confidence, that they are coming back with some ideas in order to close the gap with the leaders.”
“Another very important point is that the race is a lot later than usually in early March, so the weather is going to play an important role, because it’s clearly a lot warmer than what we are used to face.”
