P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Fresh from a shopping trip in New York, Tech3 stand-in Pol Espargaro surprises himself as top KTM and a Q2 place at the Australian MotoGP.
Tech3 stand-in Pol Espargaro caught everyone’s attention by outperforming the other KTM riders during the Friday practice session at the Australian MotoGP, despite just having been shopping with his wife in New York.
Espargaro was called back by KTM to replace the injured Maverick Vinales, a role he had previously fulfilled at the Brno and Austria races.
Although unfamiliar with the Phillip Island circuit, Espargaro impressively finished within a close margin of the top rider in the morning session and excelled in the afternoon, setting a fast time and breaking the previous lap record.
His performance was acknowledged by his teammate Enea Bastianini, who struggled during the day and recognized the need to work on improving competitiveness.
Espargaro expressed surprise at his own speed, attributing the success to feeling comfortable with the bike and the Tech3 team.
Despite Bastianini’s difficulties, both riders continue to strive for better results in the upcoming sessions.
