Pol Espargaro has already declared this season as a year of improving entering his third campaign as part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s MotoGP program.

Espargaro, who was on-hand at the team’s presentation last night in Austria, stated there’s a big target to achieve throughout 2019, and he’s adamant to appointment of Johann Zarco as his teammate will prove beneficial to the program.

“We have a big target in front of us this year and I think we are in a good place,” Espargaro explained. “Johann has integrated into the team well and already looks fast. It means that we are set for the season. I thought Miguel was very fast at the test and that was surprising for a rookie and I know Hafizh is working really hard.

“All the info the Tech3 guys can bring will be helpful for me, the team and all the engineers. I know, from my experience, that Tech3 are good for helping and teaching the riders, and also improving the bike. 2019 will be about improvement – nobody is perfect and I learn something every year.

“I think with Johann as a teammate hopefully I can learn from him and apply it to myself to be a better rider and a better worker. I just want to give the best of myself in 2019 and the most I can to the team.”

The Spaniard will be out on track with the entire MotoGP contingent at Losail International Circuit in Qatar on 23-25 February, the same venue that will host the season-opener on 10 March.