MotoGP: GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 unveil 2023 RC16

GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 have unveiled the team’s 2023 MotoGP bike in a ground-breaking season.

Pol Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez will race inboard the RC16 in a whole new look for the Tech3 squad. They have to adapt to the new RC16, with Fernandez entering for his rookie season, and Espargaro moving from Honda.

Fernandez will be the only rookie this season in MotoGP, after winning the Moto2 World Championship last year. The rookie would take nine race wins in his Championship winning season.

The Tech3 team has used the RC16 since 2019, making the switch from Yamaha. The team had a tough 2022 season, finishing down in 12^th in the teams’ standings.  In 2023 they will make the switch to becoming the factory GASGAS team, using the iconic crimson GASGAS colour scheme.

Pol Espargaro will move back to Tech3 for the first time since 2016, racing for Tech3 Yamaha at the time. He will also reunite with the KTM group for the first time since leaving the manufacturer in 2021, for Honda.

Espargaro’s time at Honda was tough, finishing 16^th in the 2022 Championship standings. His best result onboard the Honda in 2022 came in the opening round in Qatar, with a third-place finish.

Pol Espargaro, GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3:“I feel like I am coming back to my roots. With Tech3 and the new brand we have a GASGAS ‘mood’: friendly, close to people and we’re really hard workers, so I believe that if we fight and push together as a team we will be there. We will be right at the top. 

“I think the potential is high on this bike. For sure we have a lot of work to do because the level in MotoGP right now is super-high but I think we can reach it. In Valencia for the first test I felt the DNA of the bike and when it matches your own DNA it makes you feel so good! The bike is almost ready to fight for something really great this year.”

Augusto Fernandez, GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3: “Well, I’m jumping into MotoGP with this confidence of being world champion and it’s good but honestly I don’t know what to expect in terms of positions. I’m looking forward to being competitive soon and trying to be in the battle with my teammate.

“I think I am facing the most important year of my career but I know I need to be patient. I am discovering everything that it means to be a MotoGP rider, a factory rider. But it’s good to see how many people you have behind you and not just your team; the whole factory that is waiting for you and your results. 

“Portugal is coming soon and I’m really looking forward to it and it’s a dream come true: my debut in MotoGP. I honestly can’t wait.”

Image credit: motogp.com