Aleix Espargaró seems to be losing steam in the general classification. And it is not because of a drop in its performance, but quite the opposite. The one from Granollers is having to face the bad luck that always ends up crossing the path of those chosen to contest a MotoGP title.
In Assen, where he had the rhythm to fight for victory, he saw how a mistake by Quartararo ruined his options; Despite this, he managed to climb to fourth position. And, at Silverstone, a crash during FP4 limited his progress; Although he started the race diagnosed with a contusion on his right ankle, it was later learned that he had actually competed with a broken heel .
“I feel good”, declared Aleix in the usual press conference on Thursdays. “In the last 10 days I have recovered quite a bit. Sometimes it hurts a little when walking, but luckily I only have to go by motorcycle.”
“It was a shame about Silverstone,” he added, “because both there and in Assen I felt strong enough to be fighting to win and I didn’t get on the podium in either race.”
One of the topics of conversation at the event was the performance of the Aprilia. Although the Red Bull Ring has never benefited the Italian motorcycle, Aleix is blunt: “it has improved a lot”. “We have better aerodynamics and more engine speed, and Austria is the most demanding circuit in those terms. We will be competitive.”
Likewise, he has praised the capabilities of his mount on wet; capabilities that, he acknowledges, are superior to his riding: “The bike is not so bad in the rain. I think it is better in the wet than me, and I have to improve in that aspect”.
He also cleared doubts about the loss of concession points for 2023, and has said that it is something that does not concern him. “I’m not worried at all. It’s been difficult to get to this level, and it’s taken time, but we’ve already done it and staying there will be easier.”
“I am not stupid enough to deny that the concessions have helped us, but I believe very much in the potential of those who work at Noale. Today I have been in a meeting [with them] for an hour, and I have been asking them questions about what Lorenzo Savadori is going to try [wild card in Austria]. They don’t stop working and trying new things, so I have full confidence in them.”
Another of the mandatory topics was that of the new chicane that has been introduced in the first sector, in favor of greater safety. “I think they have done well”, values the man from Aprilia. “I think in terms of safety it is better, and in terms of speed and performance it is also interesting for us.
“I think it’s a positive development”, although he warns: “I think the wall on the left is too close; we’ll have to see it tomorrow”.
Aleix has also commented on the documentary that Dorna has made about his participation in the last German GP, and admits that he has enjoyed watching it. “At first I didn’t know [that they were shooting a documentary], and when they told me I was a little worried. Even if you know that everything you say is going to be published, when you’re focused on your work you don’t care.”
The Catalan has said he is favorable to these initiatives: “If we want MotoGP to gain popularity, we have to show that this is a show.”
Finally, he was upset when asked about his relationship with Fabio and if the fight they have for the title could affect it. ” I’ve said it many times, Fabio is a very nice guy. Sometimes it seems that the journalists don’t like that we are fighting for the championship and have a good relationship, and I don’t understand it.”
“In Assen we had a set, and surely we will have many more, because racing is like that. We all know how far we can go, and we respect each other. Fabio is great, he lives nearby and whenever he passes by my house he stops to say hello, and I hope you keep doing it.”
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