Yonny Hernandez and the Espargaro brothers took in the sights of Buenos Aires before heading to ‘La Bombonera’.
Home rider Yonny Hernandez (Aspar Team MotoGP) was joined by brothers Pol Espargaro (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Aleix Espargaro (Team Suzuki Ecstar) for a ride through Buenos Aires. The trio took to the streets on sport bikes, thrilling fans and onlookers with the roar of their engines.
Starting at ‘La Biela’, a traditional and iconic Argentinian café frequented by many writers, actors and famous racing drivers, the trio began their trip. They weren’t alone as 40 fellow riders joined them alongside an escort from the Policia de Transito.
After a run through the traffic they soon found themselves in Puerto Madero, an area of Buenos Aires known for its modern architectural and is one of the trendiest areas in the capital. The Puerto Madero area is the largest urban renewal project in Buenos Aires and has undergone a major revival in just a few years, including vastly improved roads, which Hernandez and the Espargaro brothers greatly enjoyed as they took in the seaside.
From the most modern area in Buenos Aires they ventured to the oldest ‘barrio’ of San Telmo. The trio’s bikes navigated the cobblestone streets with ease before a pair of local dancers greeted them. Home to a huge number of artists and antique stores, the area offered a variety of great visuals and sounds for the riders to enjoy and gave them an authentic Argentinian experience.
Their historic trip continued as they went to Caminito, a small street lined on all sides by museums. The street is known not just for its museums, but also for inspiring the famous tango song of the same name.
Finally they arrived at ‘La Bombonera’, the home of the Boca Juniors football club. All three riders are keen football fans and were delighted to be gifted team shirts with their name and number on the back. From La Biela, to the modern seaside and the historic streets, the three were given a true taste of the diverse city that is Buenos Aires.
Hernandez was thrilled to be surround by such passionate fans: “This is almost my second home, it’s like racing at home,” said the beaming Colombian. Meanwhile Aleix Espargaro, an avid FC Barcelona supported, was over the moon to be in La Bombonera: “Visiting La Bombonera is really specially for me as a football fan, I loved it!”
Licenciado Gustavo Santos, the Minister of Tourism, Governor Santiago del Estero and Claudia Abdala de Zamora were also present to welcome MotoGP™ back to Argentina.
Negotiations continue in a positive way to extend the contract for the Argentina GP. Carmelo Ezpeleta is close to reaching a deal to have the Grand Prix remain on the calendar for three more years.
Action at the Gran Premio Motul de la República Argentina begins on Thursday the 31st of March with the pre-race Press Conference. Riders hit the track at 09:00 Local Time on April 1st for Free Practice 1.