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MotoGP, Espargaró: “The Aprilia? We could have battled for the podium”

The Spaniard reveals: “If we had started from a top ten spot it would have been possible, this result is a dream come true”

MotoGP: Espargaró: “The Aprilia? We could have battled for the podium”

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Aleix Espargaró will not soon forget this Sunday. The Spanish rider launched his adventure in Aprilia with a memorable sixth place fought for by tooth and nail. And just think that he started from the fifteenth spot on the grid. His comeback from behind left everyone incredulous and the half second gap behind Daniel Pedrosa’s Honda even more so. Hats off to him and the Manufacturer from Noale.

“I am very pleased with this result. A year ago the bike did not work here and now we are among the leaders. Finishing less than ten seconds behind the winner is a great way to start the championship season.”

You started from the rear guard.

“Qualifying needs to improve. Unfortunately, I am unable to take advantage of the rear tyre and on the flying lap I am still not as competitive as I would like to be. If we start from a better spot on the grid instead of fifteenth like we did here, we could aim for the top five.”

How does this sixth place make you feel?

The whole bike works well. I had some important responses from the electronics in this race, particularly in the final laps. This result is a dream come true for me, Aprilia and everyone who works hard at Noale. We need to keep going like this, always striving to improve.”

The tyres also helped.

“On the long distance I had some important responses from the tyres since the soft held up, showing one of our strong points. Also, being so close to the Hondas is a great confidence booster. As I said, it’s a pity that we started so far back. If we had been in the top ten on the grid we would have been able to battle for the podium.”

Will you be working for the top five positions now?

“Our goal is not the top five, but to stay in the top ten. I would be stupid to say otherwise. The Aprilia showed that it is competitive and we took some important steps forward. This is a bike for the Sunday races and we saw that it has great traction. In any case, we are well aware that it will not always be easy to confirm these results, but we will put forth our best effort.”

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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