At Aprilia, the concern for this MotoGP season may not come from the technique on an RS-GP that is certainly well born but with mysteries still well kept in the rain. On the other hand, he could well appear with his drivers and more particularly with Aleix Espargaró who, although designated “captain” of the team, is not in the new format with the famous Sprint. At 32 years old, the oldest of the starting grid does not seem inclined to force his nature for a competition which distributes enough points to force a driver who wants to be one day World Champion to take it into account...
Aleix Espargaró Is he definitely a pilot of the old format, thus allowing himself to be gradually pushed towards the release by the new one? We can ask ourselves this, because the person concerned does not hide his aversion towards this Sprint which emerged as the final bouquet of what was now an intense Saturday day.
To understand the situation, we must refer to the remarks of the other official driver of the Noale brand, Maverick Vinales. The latter recounts what he saw from the last melee in Argentina: “I counted at least seven contacts with other drivers during the sprint race. If we make a small mistake, you immediately lose two positions. If you leave the door slightly open, someone will try to come in and push you out ", declared the Spaniard quoted by Motoracing, calling the pace of the sprint race " frantic ».
Casa Particular in Viñales started this Sprint race fifth and finished it seventh. During the Sunday Grand Prix contested in the rain, he got involved with Brad Binder who found himself with all four irons in the air. An action that was assessed as a racing incident.
It was very, very heated between Zarco and Espargaro coming out of the pits… 😳#AustrianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/nBWgVOvt8w
- CANAL + MotoGP ™ (@CanalplusMotoGP) August 20
Aleix Espargaró Aprilia: “ I have never been an overly aggressive driver in my career »
« It's difficult to overtake in these races because everyone is pushing the front tire hard. », says for his part Aleix Espargaró. " Everyone brakes very late because you don't have to worry about tire wear. This is why overtaking is difficult and this makes qualifications even more important ».
For the pilot Aprilia, it’s about having to change your driving style. And he announces that it will not be easy in the short term, because he has not formatted himself that way. “ I could be a little more aggressive, but ultimately it's a question of DNA » says the Spaniard. “ I have never been an overly aggressive driver in my career » adds the one who still came close to a Johann zarco leaving the stands in Austria.
« A little more is probably possible, but I can't just flip a switch and be more aggressive in driving » he adds before concluding: “ the first two races were very frustrating. I am a bit sad and disappointed after these first two outings, but there are still a lot of races to do ».
