MotoGP Qatar J3, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia/8) is angry with a colleague: “It's better that we don't talk about it”

Aleix Espargaro did not experience the dream Grand Prix in Qatar. After an excellent Saturday, consisting of a second place in qualifying followed by a third position in the Sprint, the Spaniard did not convert the confidence accumulated so far to reveal himself in the Sunday round. A missed opportunity, which results in an eighth rank far from dishonorable. Once again, he is ahead of his teammate Maverick Vinales, and begins his 2024 financial year with good momentum. This year again, he will perform well.

Funny feeling for the Aprilia official at the end of this Grand Prix. As a great competitor, Aleix is not the happiest. “I've had problems with rear traction since warm-up. The whole race was a nightmare, I couldn't do anything, neither lean nor accelerate as I wanted. I really thought I could win the GP after the Sprint. I was slow, and angry. » he confided bitterly to the microphones of GP One. We know how much he wants to win; it is also the mark of the greatest.

Photo: Michelin Motorsport

He can't find an explanation for the problem. It would not be the same tire wear concern as the others, apparently. « I don't know if it's the same problem that Jorge Martin suffered last year. We will have to discuss it with Michelin to understand. It's strange, I was fast, but I had the feeling that I could fall at any moment. I was lucky to finish in the top 10 » he added. Faced with such competitors, no such chance should be missed. “It's only the first race of the year and I'm sixth in the championship, but I feel like I've missed a great opportunity. » To tell the truth, winning yesterday would have been difficult given Pecco Bagnaia's pace, but Jorge Martin seemed less comfortable, that's for sure.

Then comes a point that is ultimately little discussed by the pilots; the departure procedure and Raul Fernandez's mess. Aleix Espargaro did not appreciate it, and made it known, even by saying nothing. “I didn't like how it went at all. But we are both linked to Aprilia, so it's better not to talk about it." he concluded.

Do you think the aerodynamics of the Aprilia will help it achieve an excellent result in Portimao? Tell us in the comments!

2023 Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix result: