MotoGP Misano J2 Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia/9): “if you fight for the title, you have to use your brain”

In view of the classification which places him just behind Fabio Quartararo on the starting grid, Aleix Espargaró can be considered one of the two losers of this qualifying session for the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano. Because the Aprilia official will only start ninth, after giving back half a second to his overexcited teammate Maverick Viñales. But the latter has nothing to lose as the 32-year-old driver plays for the title against the one who is just ahead of him in eighth place. And then Bagnaia is not that far away, since he will start fifth. Evaluations that must be made when playing a crown…

Aleix Espargaró would have undoubtedly hoped for better than this ninth place on the starting grid to start this fourteenth round of the championship, but as he is one of the three contenders, he must hit as fair as he does hard. And on this occasion, he didn't feel it... He explains his qualifications accomplished on a tricky track because it was partially wet and difficult to read: " with its mixed conditions I was not able to attack as I wanted even if I finished not too far from the leaders ».

Aleix Espargaró: “ It's not the end of the world, it was just a qualification »

He adds : " en MotoGP, you lose three positions if you don't risk the last hundredth. It's like this today, it's extremely hard. But if you are fighting for the title, you have to use your brain. It's not the end of the world, it was just a qualification. If I had nothing to lose, I would have risked more. But it's like that. I accepted this position, the race is Sunday. I will try not to make any mistakes at the start of the race, it will be decided at the end ».

And the Spaniard has the equipment to do well: “ we did a good job, the bike is now more stable on the brakes. In FP4, I was competitive and had good pace. I am confident for the second half of the race in particular, my tires are very little worn and we are fast on many laps. I'm happy with my progress ". But he ends: “ it will be difficult from the third line ».

MotoGP Misano J2: qualifying