Monster Yamaha Tech3 team riders Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith keenly await the highly anticipated round seven fight at the Circuito de Cataluña this weekend, with both intending to seal top tier results. The Monster Energy sponsored event will take place at the state of the art track with a full house expected to watch the 25-lap sprint on Sunday.

Pol Espargaro will seek to ride to glory in front of his fans and finish at the front in the battle for the top independent position. The 24-year-old who was born in Granollers, just a stone’s throw from the circuit, looks to build on his current standing at the head of the satellite tussle in the championship, by completing the race as close as possible to the factory MotoGP riders.

Meanwhile, Bradley Smith intends to build on his promising result of 7th at the previous round in Mugello, with another strong performance aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 this weekend. The return to form leaves the young Briton confident of following up last year’s result of 5th, with a determined display this weekend.

Pol Espargaro -  Championship: 7th Points: 48

"I am very excited for this weekend because not only is it my home race, but I am looking forward to putting on a good show for my fans who mean a lot to me. The atmosphere there is always electric and their support really spurs me on, so I will do my absolute best to give them something to cheer about. I have spent a lot of time on this track, but it will never get boring because it really is a spectacular circuit and one that challenges every aspect of our riding. The straight is long so the Ducati’s will have a slight advantage, yet, the Yamaha enjoys the corners and is always strong there, so it will be close plus I think we can be at the front of the independent battle on Sunday afternoon. Last weekend’s race ended in a disappointing way for me, however, I am ready to turn everything around and have a positive race in Montmelo."

Bradley Smith -  Championship: 12th Points: 29

 "As always, I am confident of hitting the ground running in Barcelona and I am certain that I can carry on the positive momentum from the last GP. The Cataluña circuit is one of the best that we visit and it has a good mix of corners and straights, which make it physical and demanding but great fun to ride. Last year I finished as the leading satellite rider in 5th, the result may be a bit more difficult to achieve this year because the level of competition has risen, but I will still give it everything I’ve got to score a solid position. It may have taken me a bit longer than some other rides to adapt to the Michelin tyres, but we have made the step and I can now get the results that I want and need to. This weekend I will be gunning for the top independent team position and I know Pol will be strong there, so I’ll do my best to beat him at his home GP."

Hervé Poncharal - Team manager :

“After a typically intense Mugello round, it’s time to gear up for the Gran Premio de Cataluña which will certainly be another exciting and entertaining weekend. Our title backers Monster Energy sponsor the event and it is Dorna’s home GP, so this makes it even more special and important. Pol is ready to go and put on a good show for his home fans. He was born literally around the corner from the track and there isn’t a closer home GP than this. He has raced there for years and understands the circuit well, so with his home fans cheering him on we hope for him to finish in the top independent rider position. As for Bradley, he returned to the form that we know he can produce in Mugello and topped the satellite battle in both qualifying and the main event on Sunday. This is what we wanted to see and now we are sure that he can continue his momentum and fight with his teammate right behind the factory bikes. We also have a test on Monday where hopefully the guys can find some more details that will help them. Anyway, we are looking forward to the race and hearing the crowd roar on Sunday.”