At the age of 32, Aleix Espargaró has become one of the most experienced and valued riders in MotoGP, especially in his role as leader of the Aprilia project, which is gradually becoming a manufacturer capable of competing with the major brands in the championship.
The podium achieved last year and the improvement shown in the pre-season tests lead us to think that this year Aprilia can take the definitive step to stop being a sidekick on the grid of the premier class.
“I hope to continue growing and getting closer to the best, the feeling we have is that this year we have the most competitive bike since I’ve been with Aprilia, but in competition the judgment comes when you compare yourself with the others and we’ll see that here in Qatar “, explained this Thursday in Qatar the Spanish runner, who faces his sixth season at Noale’s house.
Aleix will also have a level partner this year from the beginning, such as Maverick Viñales, which will help the project grow faster.
“We have taken a clear step forward, also Maverick in fast lap and pace, and when we are both close to the fastest, the improvement of the bike is clear”, he values.
Despite the good performance of the Aprilias in the tests, Aleix wants to value the preseason in its proper measure.
“I have had the feeling that neither Honda nor Ducati have fully shown their cards, there have only been two test circuits and I think that Honda has improved a lot, they have four very strong riders on the track, there are also many Ducati, Suzuki is still very good bike and the preseason is just that, a preseason, everything will be very even, for sure”, believes the Catalan.
At 32 years old and eleven in the premier class, Aleix has become one of the most experienced riders in the category.
“I’m almost the oldest, when Dovi came back I was glad I wasn’t the oldest on the grid, but it doesn’t bother me, I put out my chest, it’s a pride, with the level that there is on this grid it’s to be very satisfied to be able to be at a good level starting my 18th season, it is true that the years weigh, but I feel better than ever physically”, settled the one from Granollers.
