Aleix Espargaró approached this Australian Grand Prix from the right end, claiming good feelings that he had not had the opportunity to feel since the start of this overseas campaign. Enough to make him optimistic, especially since he collected enough data this Friday to envisage a good margin of progress on his RS-GP. Seeing his direct rivals in the championship at the same level as his, or even a bit worse, he awaits the rest with interest, especially since his teammate Maverick Viñales is also in the game. What could count in the race on Sunday...
Getting off his Aprilia, Aleix Espargaró was happy to have regained good sensations, as he was lucky to have avoided collision with a wallaby at more than 200 km/h. " I'm happy, it wasn't a bad day especially after two weekends where we struggled » comments the third in the championship, 20 points behind fabio quartararo. " In the morning, the conditions were quite demanding, it was at the limit » he also points out. “ The wind was very strong and it was also very cold. It was also a little damp in one or two places. It was difficult to choose the right balance between speed and driving without making mistakes. A mistake here can be very costly and it was easy to fall, everyone was rather relaxed – or rather cautious ».
He adds : " but I felt very good. Here I can attack, I'm competitive. My pace is good, Fabio's pace is not better than mine. This probably isn't the best track for Pecco right now, either. He wasn't very consistent either, so we're very similar. But today the conditions were complicated, I believe that tomorrow everyone will improve ».
Aleix Espargaró: “ I hope Maverick Viñales can help me on Sunday »
Everything will therefore come down to the choice of tires and their management: “ the three rear tire options could all be something for racing, which may make a difference here too " to analyse Aleix Espargaro. " I have a feeling this will be a race where not only will being fast count, but also treat the rear tire well in preparation for the last 10 laps. Those who have worked best on this can make the difference ».
What can also make the difference is team discipline, and it may not only concern Ducati in Australia : " I hope Maverick Viñales can help me. He has always had very good races here and has always been fast. Today we were quite close in pace and fast lap. I hope he can help me on Sunday ».
MotoGP Australian Grand Prix FP2 results at Phillip Island:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
