Hervé Poncharal will need to start from scratch in building his team for next season. After having lost Smith, today sees the announcement that confirms Pol Espargarò will also leave Tech3 and Yamaha. As we had predicted, KTM, having signed up Bradley, was looking to secure the Spaniard too and this indeed seems to be Pol's destination.
Espargarò debuted with the M1 of the French team in 2014 and he also rode in the Suzuku 8 Hours with Yamaha - winning it - last year together with Smith and Nakasuga. Even if his future will take him far from the Japanese manufacturer next year, the Spaniard will be back on the R1 in the endurance classic, on a team with Nakasuga and Alex Lowes.
Tech3 team owner Poncharal will speak at a press conference to be held this afternoon.