MotoGP News: Pol Espargaro Reveals Who Had Offer To Join KTM For 2025

Pol Espargaro discusses KTM's recruitment tactics and reassesses rider evaluations, hinting at potential big moves in the MotoGP line-up for 2025.

Apr 13, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Brad Binder (33) of South Africa and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rides during practice for the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The MotoGP grid for 2025 is taking shape with significant moves already confirmed, but perhaps more intriguing are the potential offers and strategic undercurrents revealed by KTM test rider Pol Espargaro. In a detailed interview with Motorsport, Espargaro shared insights into KTM's recruitment strategies and provided a thought-provoking perspective on evaluating rider performance.

As the MotoGP championship intensifies with Jorge Martin currently leading, the behind-the-scenes maneuvering for team line-ups has been equally compelling. According to Espargaro, via Crash.net, Jorge Martin was among those considered for a spot within the Pierer Mobility Group.

"I know that Jorge Martin has had the option of getting on a motorcycle from the Pierer Mobility Group," Espargaro disclosed. He further unveiled, "That he has had an offer to be able to get on a [KTM]." 

This revelation aligns with KTM’s ambition to bolster their roster with top-tier talent. Espargaro hinted at broader recruitment attempts, suggesting, "Just as Martín has had it, probably, I'm just talking about it, Marquez must have had it and other top riders have had it," and added, "In other words, it means that the factory is betting, trying to bet on top riders.”

Interestingly, discussions between Marquez and KTM were downplayed by both parties as non-serious dialogues, yet Espargaro's comments highlight a keen interest from KTM to challenge leading teams by attracting elite riders.

Amidst this backdrop, assessing who stands out as the "best" rider becomes multifaceted. Espargaro criticized the simplistic criteria often used in such evaluations, suggesting that equipment disparities and media portrayal could distort perceptions.

"Either Jorge Martin is better or worse than Marquez because Marc has an older bike, it is very difficult to know exactly who is better," he explained. Espargaro extended this discourse to other riders’ experiences with different manufacturers, pointing out, "Or you take Luca Marini who was making podiums with Ducati and put him on a Honda and he has been [finishing] last in all the races, and he was making podiums with the Ducati."

His further comments underscore the variabilities affecting rider success, questioning the industry's recognition metrics:

"We talk about the best because he wins more titles not because he is better at riding," and asserting, "But a better rider? We have to be careful about that..."

Espargaro’s reflections also covered potential scenarios where swapping machines could yield different outcomes, such as imagining Pecco Bagnaia on a KTM or Pedro Acosta on a Ducati, thus illustrating the significant impact of equipment on performance. He retains a strong belief in KTM's future prospects, affirming, "The factories work as hard as they can to be the best on the grid and I am convinced that KTM will reach the point where Ducati is sooner or later."