GasGas Factory Racing Tech3 was thrilled to welcome back their ‘captain’ after former world champ and multiple MotoGP podium finisher Pol Espargaro passed a compulsory fitness test.
The 32-year-old MotoGP star from Spain had revealed last week that he was feeling fit and strong and ready to return to the saddle of the GasGas RC16 for the first time in competition since the season-opening round in Portugal during March.
Pol Espargaro made decent progress in his recovery from a back injury and had commented that he was eager to re-join the GasGas Factory Racing Tech3 pitbox and his crew.
He easily sailed through the medical checks at the historic British circuit at Silverstone, one of the longest and fastest on the calendar, and remarked that he was pumped to tackle his first MotoGP Sprint on Saturday and Grand Prix dispute ‘in red’ on Sunday (Monday NZ time).
Pol Espargaro’s presence and his competitive experience was sure to spread to rookie team-mate Augusto Fernandez, who has been learning and impressing at the ‘deep end’ of MotoGP racing so far.
Spanish rider Fernandez finished 11th at Silverstone on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Pol Espargaro, negotiating his first GP distance of the season on Sunday, was satisfied to claim 12th in the main race.
Interestingly, his 34-year-old elder brother, Aleix Espargaro, won Sunday’s MotoGP race on his Aprilia, giving the brand its first MotoGP win of the season.
“Finally! I’m really happy I was able to get back in the paddock, see my team and get back on the bike. I’ve missed this part of my life a lot,” said Pol Espargaro afterwards.
“I will have to listen to my body, understand the new bike and also get familiar with the format this year. I really want to thank everyone at the Pierer Mobility Group and all those who have been behind me and supporting me.”
Photo courtesy GasGas
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