MotoGP, Aleix Espargaró: “I want to do a Biaggi in Indonesia”

A new track, but the same desire to surprise. Aleix Espargaró wants to be back at the sharp end with the Aprilia at Mandalika, and the first day of practice has brought encouraging results. Beyond his seventh-place finish, the gaps are very tight, with Aleix just two tenths from third place. Today’s results are not the only talking point though, with riders also commenting on the new track conditions.

“They’ve done a great job with the asphalt”, notes Aleix, “but the carcasses brought by Michelin are very different to those we used in testing, and they cause the bike to slide a lot, but I’m pleased with the work we’ve done anyway, we’re already competitive”.

How do you see the playing field?

“The two Yamahas up front used two soft tyres, which definitely gave them an advantage, but they’re not far from Zarco anyway, which is good. I don’t yet have the sensations I had in Qatar, particularly in terms of rear grip, but I’m on the right path”. 

Aleix Espargaró: "I want to make the most of this opportunity"

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How is the work going at Aprilia?

“Romano (Albesiano) and I are working hard to grow further. I’ve got this opportunity to fight for something important, though it’s come a little later now that I’m 32, but I want to make the most of it”.

On Instagram, you promised to throw your helmet to the crowd if you reach one million followers. Are you there yet?

“It was incredible, as I got to one million a few hours later. I recently saw some pictures of Biaggi doing the same thing right here in Indonesia, so I’ll do a Biaggi (he laughs)”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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