Pol Espargaro made a remarkable impact at the MotoGP Hungarian Grand Prix held at Balaton Park, securing a direct Q2 qualifying spot that exceeded many expectations. Filling in for Maverick Vinales, who remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained in a recent crash, Espargaro demonstrated that he still possesses the speed and competitive edge required in top-level MotoGP racing.
Strong Early Season Performance and Practice Session Success
A seasoned rider with 10 Grand Prix wins under his belt, Espargaro had previously substituted for Vinales at the Czech Grand Prix this season, finishing ninth in both races. His latest efforts in Hungary stunned many as he posted the second-fastest time during the crucial morning practice session, riding KTM’s RC16 with a fresh medium rear tire. By the end of the afternoon session, he maintained his strong pace, finishing eighth overall and securing direct entry into Q2 qualifying by also setting the best time in the third sector of the track.
Herve Poncharal, head of the Tech3 team, expressed his amazement:
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,
—Herve Poncharal, Tech3 Team Boss.
Testing and Adaptation During Practice
Though Espargaro faced some challenges as he experimented with different bike setups during the afternoon, his tenacity stood out. Poncharal remarked on his adaptability, stating,
Still, I have to tell you, he was testing a few things. This is why he was a bit down at the beginning of the afternoon session,
—Herve Poncharal, Tech3 Team Boss. Despite these adjustments, Espargaro’s speed remained unquestionable, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable presence on the track.
Teammate Enea Bastianini Also Impresses in Practice
Adding to Tech3’s strong showing, Espargaro’s teammate Enea Bastianini demonstrated promising form by finishing fifth in the practice sessions. Bastianini was just 0.354 seconds behind leader Pedro Acosta, who topped the times aboard a factory KTM, intensifying the competitive atmosphere within the team and the wider field.
Team Optimism and Anticipation for Race Day
The positive results have energized the Tech3 camp ahead of qualifying and the race. Poncharal reflected on the team’s mood, saying,
We are really proud. Pol, an almost-retired rider with direct Q2 access, and Enea who is also having fun and enjoying the track and the RC16 on that track. So, tonight we are a happy team.
—Herve Poncharal, Tech3 Team Boss. The excitement is building as Pol Espargaro prepares to translate this impressive practice performance into a strong race result in Hungary.
With rising stakes, the MotoGP community and fans alike are eager to see whether Espargaro’s speed in practice will develop into race-day success, setting the stage for an intense and thrilling weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
