After a good handling of the Aprilia in Valencia, which resulted in ninth place, Aleix obtained thirteenth at Sepang, then tenth at Phillip Island. He then set the twelfth fastest time in Qatar, between Marc Marquez and his replacement at Suzuki Andrea Iannone.
The development was positive in the camp Aprilia, and Espargaro was gradually digesting the domination that his teammate at Suzuki had imposed on him last year Maverick Vinales. Both the manufacturer and the driver seemed to have great motivation which should allow them to reach a good level this year, starting this Thursday in Doha.
According to Aleix, who are " The season finally begins. We prepared well for this first race. We made a lot of changes and it kept us busy throughout all the testing. I am satisfied with the level reached. Here in Qatar I was fast in all conditions and I have a good feeling in the saddle.
“We have to keep working. There are some aspects that we can still improve. We will take advantage of the test sessions to prepare ourselves as best as possible for the 22 laps on Sunday. »
To Roman Albesian, the Director of Aprilia Racing, “ For this first race we are confident and aware of our level. During the pre-season, the preparation was very good. We were able to improve the RS-GP and the tests confirmed our intuitions. The bike proved to be well balanced, allowing the riders to be fast both on the new tires and in terms of race pace.
“We need to refine some details before the race, in particular trying to find more grip under acceleration, but I am happy with the technical base from which we start in Qatar.
According to Fausto Gresini, the team manager, “The first GP of a new season is always quite special. We start the year motivated. Our project developed well over the winter. Aprilia has made a lot of new changes for this circuit. The work on the development was extensive and the test results were a positive morale booster for the team. This is the moment of truth. We are well aware of our potential and eager to get to work. »
Aleix Espargaro training on the Losail track
