The last round of the MotoGP world takes place at the Ricardo Tormo in Valencia of course offering us a beautiful finale with the awarding of a title still disputed between Francis Bagnaia et fabio quartararo, but also a race in the race for a third step on the podium coveted by Aleix Espargaró et Enea Bastianini.
The Spaniard only has a one point lead over the Italian but managed to hold off the latter this Saturday by reaching Q2, unlike the Gresini Racing driver.
Ninth in FP1 then thirteenth in FP2 partly due to a fall, Aleix I will espargaro had to react this morning, and that's what he did by setting the sixth fastest time in FP3. After thus ensuring his direct passage into Q2, the Catalan obtained the tenth time which will make him start at the start of the fourth row.
The result is not extraordinary, but still better than that of his main opponent who, although fifth at the end of the first day, saw his hopes disappear in a fall at the start of FP3. Although he returned to the track with his second machine, Enea Bastianini could not do better than the 10th time of the session, which ranked him 12th in the combined ranking, Luca marini et Jorge Martín having been faster the day before.
During qualifying 1, the Gresini Racing driver fell again, which forced him to start 13th on the grid, three places behind his opponent.
This bodes well for a great battle tomorrow, whichAleix I will espargaro however, is optimistic.
During Sunday's race, Aprilia Racing will also try to secure a top place in the Manufacturer's championship and Team championship rankings. In both categories, the Italian manufacturer is currently second, proof of its fantastic season and by far the best in Aprilia's brief history in MotoGP.
Aleix I will espargaro : " I have to say that we did a very good job between yesterday and today. I actually feel pretty good now pace-wise. I didn't manage to find a good lap in qualifying and it's a shame because the place on the starting grid doesn't completely reflect our level. I'm a little disappointed with my fastest lap with the soft rear tire. The bike was better than Friday, we improved a lot. We focused on pace because for me the most important thing is to be competitive in the last eight laps. I know how strong Enea is in the last laps.
In the first part of the race I have to drive well and stay calm. If Enea is in front of me, it's easy because I have to overtake him. If he drives behind me, they'll give me information. It's going to be tough, he's one of the best drivers on the grid, but we are the best drivers in the world, and we have to be able to manage our nerves. Regardless, I'm optimistic for the race. We will do our best to finish this great season. »
Grand Prix Qualification 2 Results MotoGP of the Valencian Community on the Ricardo Tormo circuit:
Grand Prix Qualification 1 Results MotoGP of the Valencian Community on the Ricardo Tormo circuit:
Credit ranking: MotoGP.com
