Aleix Espargaró had done everything well until then in this Catalan Grand Prix which he dedicated to an association which had come to the aid of his suffering granddaughter. And she could be proud of her dad on the Aprilia who dominated the practice sessions, held up well during qualifying before showing himself solid in the race. Unfortunately, we were in too much of a hurry to meet up with family in Montmèlo since the second in the championship stopped his effort one lap before the finish. A blunder which will follow him forever and which costs him dearly in the championship despite saving a fifth place, when he should have finished second. Back at his stand, Aleix Espargaró was devastated…
We certainly do not yet know what the outcome of this MotoGP season will be, but we can be certain that the scene will remain in the archives. And for a long time. Aleix Espargaró missed second place during the home leg in Barcelona due to an incredible misunderstanding. With one lap remaining, the driver Aprilia cut off his effort and saluted the crowd... It was only after the first chicane, when he had already dropped to sixth place behind John Zarco et Joan mir, who attacked the last kilometers at full speed, as well as Luca Marini, that the 32-year-old pilot realized his mistake. Damage limitation was the maneuver against Luca marini for 5th place, but more was no longer possible. In the box, the father withdrew into his corner and burst into tears.
Even the CEO of Dorna, Carmelo Ezpeleta, was there to offer consolation to his compatriot. “ All I can say is that I'm sorry for my team. It was a mistake that is simply unacceptable in this category. It was all my fault." commented Pol's older brother who finished last in this Catalan Grand Prix. “ I'm still very depressed, I don't want anything. I apologize to everyone, I apologized to every member of my team ».
Aleix Espargaró: “ if I want to beat Fabio in the championship, I have to take these points with me«
He adds : " This is an impossible mistake to make. I didn't remember that the tower here is L1 then L0 and I didn't see my sign, I'm really sorry. In the end, it was only 9 points lost, but it was second place here at home and i'm very sad. It's 100% my fault, I have the sign and I have to see this, I have no excuse. We're in a fight and coming out of the corner I don't have much time to see him. I only saw the gap with Jorge Martin, but it's my fault ».
He finishes : " I expected to be more competitive for the victory. Yesterday between Michelin and my team they scared us, because they advised us to leave calmly but it was not the best strategy, because when I overtook Jorge Martin, I was fast and I was able to make some good times. Fabio was very smart at the start and then drove the race in a controlled manner. But I think I could have gone with him. It's too late now…If I want to beat Fabio in the championship, I have to take these points with me » Morally, this incredible scenario may have cost more than the wasted points...
MotoGP Catalonia Race: classification
Credit MotoGP.com
