With two podiums in the last three GPs, Aleix Espargaró is one of the strong men in the championship at the start of the season, and he is only three points behind the two leaders, Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins. The Aprilia rider answered questions from journalists during the press conference ahead of the Spanish GP, and we transcribe his entire remarks here.
Aleix, you are currently in a very good dynamic, with two podiums in the last three races, and third place in the championship. We know that being fast is important in MotoGP, but being consistent is just as important, so we imagine you happy to total 66 points after five GPs this season?
« I feel good, I really like this start to the season. I have to say that from preseason I had good feelings with the bike, but I never thought I would reach this level. I'm very happy because I enjoy it every time I take to the track. Of course we know full well that we still have to work on different points, but overall I feel very good with the bike. So I'm really looking forward to racing tomorrow in FP1 to see how it performs here in Jerez. Last year we were quite fast here, as we were close to the podium and victory. So I hope that with this bike which is more competitive we will be able to do even better. »
Last year you actually finished just five seconds behind Jack Miller. So all hopes are allowed this weekend when your bike is even more competitive than in 2021?
« Things have changed a lot for us this season, but also for all the other drivers on the grid. The level is really very high, and we know how tough this category is. I remember that last year here during FP3 we had to be around fifteen drivers in three or four tenths of a second. The game is therefore not going to be easy, and it will be all the more important to perform well from FP1. All the sessions will count, and we will try to have fun from the first lap tomorrow morning, and see what we can do on Sunday. »
A day of post-race testing will take place here after the GP, next Monday. What do you expect from your team on this test?
« We're going to have a lot of things to try, and I don't know if we're going to have enough time to go through everything. Lorenzo Savadori will be there this weekend, as was already the case in Portimão, and I must say that his bike is quite different from mine and that of Maverick Viñales. The base of the bike is really good, so it's always good to try to improve, but you also have to be careful and not question everything. »
Jerez is known for being a really tight circuit, and everyone has a lot of data there. Do you think this is a source of additional pressure or do you have the strong conviction that you can win here this Sunday?
« I think it's going to be tight. We all know it's always like this in Jerez. During the race the differences are always more marked than during qualifying and free practice. The important thing will therefore be to work on what really matters, and to have the bike ready for the full length of the race. »
Despite your performances, few people still perceive you as a real title contender. What do you think ?
« I think it's something normal. Neither me nor Aprilia have fought for the championship in recent years. We have to keep working, and I have to do my best in each race. We will be able to say who can fight for the championship when we get to the fifteenth or sixteenth race, but not now. For now I just want to continue having fun and maintain this good dynamic. »
Jorge Lorenzo will become a MotoGP Legend tomorrow. What is your opinion on this induction? How do you place him compared to other Legends of the discipline?
« It goes without saying that he was an excellent pilot, gifted with great talent. He won many races and the list would be long to enumerate all his qualities and accomplishments. He was very fast during his career, and he won several titles, so I think it's a huge achievement. deserved. »
The number of testing days during the season will be reduced from 2023. What is your opinion on this?
« The situation is the same for everyone, and in the end the important thing is to adapt. If we have fewer testing days, then we will have to work smarter in defining the priorities of the bike. »
Some people explain that it is more and more difficult to overtake this year in MotoGP. Do you agree ?
« It's true that it's more difficult, particularly because of the increasingly present aerodynamics. But we must not lose sight of the fact that all drivers also brake really late from now on. In these conditions it is therefore very difficult to really tell the difference. This is why it is very difficult today to overtake, but I must say that it is still possible. The tracks we go to are also wide enough to allow clean overtaking.
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In the past you were a very fast driver, but one who also made a lot of mistakes. Now you no longer make mistakes and you are even faster than before. Do you think you still have a good margin for improvement? Besides, what will your future hold? It seems that negotiations are underway with Aprilia, which is somewhat reluctant on the financial aspect. Can you tell us more about this?
« I am very happy with the stability I was able to find with Aprilia. When I arrived at the team my reference was the relationship between Andrea Dovizioso and Ducati. Marc Márquez was much faster at the time, but Dovi and Ducati did a very good job and they managed to find good stability, and in the end they were able to fight for the title for a few years. That said, I'm not at that level yet, although I hope to be well on my way. In the past I have said that I would like to do two more years with Aprilia, but the reality is that I don't have a really clear offer at the moment, so it's not up to me. The only thing I can do is be faster every weekend and win more races, finish on the podium more often. We will then see what the situation is, and how it all evolves. »
