Espargaro’s Honda MotoGP move made him “realise how much you miss testing”
The eight-time MotoGP podium finisher spearheaded development of the KTM bike from the brand’s debut in 2017 through to 2020. Signed to join Honda for 2021, Espargaro struggled massively to replicate the form he enjoyed on the RC16, scoring just two podiums in as many years before electing to re-sign with KTM to return to Tech3 for 2023. Honda and Yamaha currently sit last in the manufacturers’ standings, as the balance of power has shifted well in favour of the European brands. KTM famously brought constant developments to its bike in its first three years in MotoGP , which Espargaro says became “super stressful”. Honda operates in a completely different way and has tumbled down the order as a result. Speaking with Motorsport.com in an exclusive interview during the San Marino Grand Prix, Espargaro says he soon realised Honda didn’t have what KTM did in “keeping you with a fire in your ass”. “When I left KTM, I was overloaded,” he said when asked i...