Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team riders Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro are geared up and ready for round 7 at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya. Both riders will intend to clinch two strong results after concluding the Italian Grand Prix in positive style aboard their Yamaha YZR-M1's. The twisting 4.7 kilometre circuit has held many memorable MotoGP battles in recent years and Smith as well as Espargaro will aim to ride to glory in the satellite riders battle in front of the ever passionate Catalan crowd.

Bradley Smith produced his best performance so far this season by clinching a hard fought result of 5th at Mugello and will seek put himself in the mix for a top six placement in the 25 lap sprint around the Circuito de Catalunya. He currently sits in 6th in the championship and at the front of the satellite MotoGP riders and will look to continue his positive form by adding more points to his tally of 57. Furthermore, Pol Espargaro will be intending to speed to a top finish in front of his adoring home fans by battling with his teammate and challenging for the leading satellite bike position under the Catalan sun. The Spaniard determinedly bounced back from his recent arm surgery with an impressive showing in Mugello where he seized 6th and will look to go one step further at his home Grand Prix.

Bradley Smith  -  Championship : 6th  Points : 57 

"I will arrive at the Monster Energy sponsored Catalunya round confident of opening the weekend in positive style as we have been strong at almost every GP this season. It is a circuit that I enjoy with it's variety of different corners and the crowd is always amazing, especially in the last part of the track! In addition, the layout seems to suit the characteristics of the Yamaha YZR-M1 quite well, therefore, I'll be gunning for another top finish. In Mugello, the qualifying didn't go to plan so I aim to rectify this in Catalunya and grab a solid starting position to give me the best possible chance of success in the race. We also have a test on Monday where we will try out a few new ideas in order to help me in various areas as we look to bridge the gap to the leading riders. However, before that, there's the Catalan Grand Prix and my fists are clenched already for the battle on Sunday, which I can't wait to partake in. "

Pol Espargaro -  Championship : 8th  Points : 45 

"Round 7 means it's time for my home Grand Prix and of course, this is one of the highlights of my season, especially as it's also sponsored by our title partner Monster Energy! To hear my fans cheering is an amazing feeling and I will do my very best to please them particularly as I grew up very close to this circuit, therefore it doesn't get any more of a home GP than this for me! Mugello was quite a positive race and most importantly a definite improvement after my recent arm surgery and so, I intend to do even better this weekend as I was able to start training again. I definitely have some good memories of racing at this track, like winning the Moto2 race from pole in 2013 which was the year I became champion and I aim to add another one to the collection this time. We also have a test after the race which will be very useful as we have a few things to adjust and amend, so I look forward to this week at home and I can't wait to get the show on the road! "

Hervé Poncharal - Team manager : 

"It's time to head to Catalunya and to Pol's backyard for the MotoGP race this weekend at the 7th round of the championship. It's always special for a rider at their home GP, but Pol grew up almost next to the track, so for him it must be amazing to be racing so close to where everything began. The Mugello weekend was very productive for our team as Bradley and Pol finished 5th and 6th which are two strong results. As a team we moved up to third position in the team championship standings which is fantastic at this point in the season and just in time for the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya. This run needs to be extended and we expect to close this weekend with two more positive finishes. Bradley continues to confirm his progress each race and with the Yamaha suiting the Catalunya track, we are confident that he will be able to run where he was at Mugello and fighting for the leading satellite position. As for Pol, it was a solid race from him in Italy, plus his arm has had two more weeks to recover, so we hope that he will be fighting with Brad for the lead position with the satellite bikes on Sunday. It's a great race and one with a superb crowd who really show their love for our sport. So, we aim to hit the track at speed to make them cheer even louder!”