Image: Supplied.

Finishing an impressive eighth at Circuit of the Americas last weekend, Pol Espargaro is confident the result confirms a placing around the top 10 is a realistic target.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider displayed strong pace all weekend, qualifying fifth before charging his way to eighth in the 20-lap encounter, making for his best result of the season.

“My crew and all the team worked really hard this weekend in a very tough place for us,” said Espargaro. “We took an unexpected result here in Texas and we were 16 seconds faster than we were last year. This is a realistic position – around the top 10. We’ll go now to Jerez and a place we have been fast in the past maybe with some small improvements on the bike.

“I’m excited about what the guys are trying in the factory. I’m super-proud when I look at the results from last year or two years ago and what we are able to do now and what we are achieving. It also feels like the people in the paddock are also seeing our work. I have everything I need to keep pushing.”

It wasn’t such a fruitful day on the other side of the factory KTM garage, as newcomer Johann Zarco continued to struggle aboard the RC16, finishing in P13 after benefiting from retirements in the later stages.