KTM reserve rider Espargaro ahead of his 300th Grand Prix: “A place I love”

The Spaniard Pol Espargaro will once again be making a guest appearance for Günther Steiner’s Red Bull Tech 3 KTM team at the Red Bull Ring this coming weekend. The younger of the Espargaro brothers will once again be standing in for his compatriot Maverick Viñales in Styria. As a reminder: at the San Marino GP in Misano, Pol caused something of a sensation when he finished ninth on Friday to secure direct entry into Q2.

The circuit near Zeltweg holds special significance for the 35-year-old Espargaro: In 2020, Espargaro, riding the Red Bull-KTM, was locked in a fierce battle for victory with Jack Miller (Pramac-Ducati) – both were outmanoeuvred by Miguel Oliveira (Tech3-KTM) in the final corner of the race. “We just want to get off to a smooth and solid start to the weekend. This will be my 300th Grand Prix – that’s mad, isn’t it? My mindset has changed – but I’m still hungry. We’ve done a great deal of testing here in the past.”

A drop in temperature – no problem!

On Thursday, Espargaró made yet another declaration of love for the circuit, despite the cool, wet weather: “It’s a place I love; I love the weather. When I looked out of the window today, I thought to myself – I need a jacket – at last it’s not properly hot for a change. With the Michelin tyres, you’re always right on the limit temperature-wise – I just love that feeling. I could already tell yesterday that it would rain today,” grinned the Catalan.

And on his personal starting position for Spielberg: “It’s a track I have fond memories of – one where I know I can be quick and still get a good result. “When I started out at Silverstone, it was still a mix of several factors – I was quite a long way off back then.” “But we were quick recently at Misano and also during the test at Mugello – the 850 is getting faster and faster. We were already close to Bulega and Ducati there.”

A telling-off at home

Espargaro also admitted: “My wife has already given me a telling-off – ‘You’ll never stop!’ I keep a close eye on everything that’s happening in front of me – perhaps with the greatest passion of all. It’s been intense and tough of late, but I enjoy it in my own way. But I don’t think I’ll be heading overseas. Maverick is getting closer to being in the right shape to ride.”

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“Austria is a very important Grand Prix – for the factory too – and they need someone on the bike who’s ready for the races. Maverick might still need a bit more time to reach his usual speed. I’ve always said I don’t want any more overseas events – they take up so much time. I want to be at home. And: the most important phase of the year for 2027 is now getting underway – whilst the races are taking place in Japan. We’ve also got a test at Jerez during this phase,” concluded the extremely busy KTM rider.