If Aleix Espargaró wants to show that he has made enormous progress and that his Aprilia has indeed taken a step forward, there will be no better time than this weekend to demonstrate it on a Red Bull Ring which is his beast black. His best result is in fact a tenth place achieved last year. Furthermore, he arrives still suffering from his fractured right heel at Silverstone, while he admits to not liking the rain which will occasionally occur in this Austrian Grand Prix. Clearly, if he gets out of this trap in Styria, he will have revealed himself even more as a real candidate for the world title...
A status which does not convince everyone despite the fact that he is second in the championship, 22 leader points fabio quartararo. The SpanishAprilia has always come back with points at the end of the 12 races already contested this season. And yet, there is a doubt that Pol’s older brother dismisses out of hand by mentioning: “ at the end of the year in Valencia we will see who was the rival to fear ».
While waiting for this finale in November, here we are in Austria. How is Aleix after his violent fall at Silverstone, 186 km/h, which made him suffer 23G deceleration? “ I feel really good. I have recovered well these last ten days ", said the pilot Aprilia. " When I run, it still hurts a little. Luckily, I don't have to walk because I have a motorcycle to ride. I think it will be fine ". But what he regrets above all is this: “ it was very boring at Silverstone. At Assen and also at Silverstone, I felt strong enough to fight for victory, but I couldn't finish both races on the podium. I can't wait to be on the track on Friday so I can fight at the front ».
The Spaniard therefore seems quite sure of being able to show a new face to Spielberg: “ the 2022 RS-GP has improved a lot, especially in terms of aerodynamics. Our engine performance has also improved, the bike runs faster. This track is the biggest challenge for the engine. The bike is significantly better than past models, it runs much more efficiently. I think the track will suit us ».
Aleix Espargaró: “ the level of the bike in the rain is higher than mine on the water«
On this progress, he mentions: “ it took us a long time to reach the level of Honda and Yamaha, Suzuki and Ducati. But we can finally say that Aprilia has arrived on par with the best motorcycles in the world. It should be easier for us to maintain this level than the bumpy road to get there ". He adds : " I believe very strongly in the potential of Noale's engineers because they never stop working. I am very confident for the future. I'm not so stupid as to say that the concessions didn't help us. I trust the engineers at Noale. I had an hour meeting with the team and Savadori is going to test a lot of parts, I have complete confidence in Aprilia ».
More Aleix Espargaró also knows that he will have to look after himself, and in particular on an aspect that he will encounter this weekend and at the end of the season… “ We'll have to deal with the rain. Same in Japan too. There are usually two races, more or less, per season in the water » explained Aleix. “ The bike doesn't do badly in the rain. The level of the bike in the rain is higher than mine on the water, I need to improve », concluded the second in the championship MotoGP, thus recognizing one of its weaknesses…
