After an exceptional first half of the season, Aleix Espargaro is not completing a second part as he wanted. However, despite an important lack of podiums, the Aprilia rider has no intention of exiting the fight for the title and, with three races remaining at the end of the season, he is third, 20 points behind the leader Fabio Quartararo.
The last race in Thailand is a good example of how the Catalan has been doing over the last few weekends. In fact, Aleix was forced to serve a Long Lap Penalty in the race which forced him to cross the finish line outside the top ten.
“We had some difficulties in the wet,” Espargaro explained at the Australian Grand Prix press conference. “We improved a bit in the warm up and we weren’t too bad. I think we could have fought for sixth or seventh position, but that penalty was a shame because we lost a lot of points. But we are still 20 points behind the leader, so I arrive at Phillip Island motivated! ”.
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Phillip Island is a particular track that could favor the RS-GP. This is what Aleix thinks, who acknowledged that he really wants to try: “This bike has been very competitive on fast tracks where there are not many hard braking, like in Argentina. It will be difficult to predict the strengths of Aprilia, but with the down force and the wings, I think we will be strong at least in the first and last corners. Our engine is better, so we will also have an advantage on the straight ”.
A few minutes later he talked about his concerns about the Aprilia’s new, more generously sized fairing and its potential drawbacks in strong gusts of wind: “We have not yet ridden with this fairing in high wind conditions. We have to see up to what point does this take away from us, because in other words it helps us a lot. In any case, we have the other option available and we will decide later “.
Regarding the fight for the title, Aleix was clear: “It’s time to go on the attack. 20 points isn’t a lot, but in three races it won’t be easy. Anyway, I’ll give it all. Now it’s time to attack and take risks. more than ever”. Finally, he stated that he does not believe that the height adjuster will be a determining factor in the Australian race: “It will be important to manage the tires and the pressures, but not so much the height adjuster”.
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