The Monster Yamaha Tech3 team pairing of Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith confidently eye up the forthcoming opening European round at the Circuit de Jerez, where they will resume their battles to finish as the top independent riders.

Pol Espargaro aims to continue his bright start to the season and carry on his form in his home country as he currently sits fourth in the MotoGP World Championship standings. As a result, the 25-year-old has his sights set on clinching a strong finish once again in Sunday’s 27 lap sprint.

Whilst Bradley Smith seeks to bounce back from a difficult race in Austin and fight as close as possible to the factory MotoGP riders. The British star was unfortunate to lose his consecutive point-scoring record in America after suffering bad luck but fully intends to make amends this weekend and finish well inside the top eight.
 
Pol Espargaro -  Championship : 4th Points : 28 

"After what has been a tough opening to the racing year, I am looking forward to competing in my home country, plus I’m determined about continuing this good wave of form. Of course, the season so far has gone better than the opening to 2015 but we have to remain consistent, which will be key to success in this campaign. Therefore, we need to push non stop this weekend and seize another top finish which I feel is certainly achievable. The team is doing a great job and I know that it’s down to me to get the result, but I am confident. I always enjoy the Circuito de Jerez and have won a few races there in the past. Last year I qualified fourth and finished one place back, so I am optimistic about having a good run again and winning the top independent battle. I’m excited about seeing my fans and I will try my hardest to give them something to cheer about!"

Bradley Smith -  Championship : 13th Points : 16 

"The start of the season has not gone as well as I have hoped for, but I am ready to rectify this at Jerez and get back to where I should be. It goes without saying that this year is different for a number of reasons, and I fell we’ve had a few teething problems with the tyres. Yet, I feel we are making good progress now and we could have ended well in Austin, had I not crashed. Nevertheless, that was then and this is now and my focus is on Jerez, a track I always look forward to. I won my first GP there in the 125 cc class and have finished all the races over the years. However, I need to get into the top eight and close the gap to my teammate in the standings. The Tech3 team is working really well and did a fantastic job in Austin, so I have the upmost confidence in them and I will give it everything I’ve got. I am keen for another close fight in the race, and going all out for that top independent position.”

Hervé Poncharal - Team manager :

“Next up for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team is the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez which is an event that we always get excited about. This is due to the passionate fans, the guarantee of great racing and also the beautiful scenery. I’m sure both of our riders are looking forward to it as much as everyone else. Pol has had a really strong start to the year, which we are happy to see after the up and down season in 2015. He has worked hard with his team and is getting the results that he needs, even though I’m sure he is aiming higher. Jerez has been good to him in the past, and we are confident that he can have a positive race on Sunday just like last time. Brad has had a bit of a challenging season so far, however, he is as determined as ever. I truly believe that he will pick himself up and get right back to where he needs to be in Jerez. Our expectations remain the same and we hope that both guys can finish inside the top eight and win the top independent rider position. It will be an interesting weekend for sure and we can’t wait to get going.”