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Only one RS-GP 23 appears inside the points zone (top-9) of the Sprint at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. Aleix Espargarò crossed the finish line in fifth position at the end of 13 laps which saw him in the top area of the classification from start to finish after the third quickest time obtained in qualifying, which took place during the Italian night. The Aprilia Racing Team rider was aiming to secure his second podium of the year in the short race on Saturday, but instead he had to deal with some unexpected events.
“The bike didn't turn when I tried to attack - explained Espargarò - problems related to the tyres? On returning to the garage, I immediately went to check and the temperatures were good, so I thought about the aerodynamics. Riding alone I was able to make my own lines and break away decisively, but it was impossible to make the bike turn when the gap to Marini was decreasing. We overtook each other a couple of times and it was frustrating because in the first few laps I had a better pace than him. I thought I could fight it out with Martin."
The complications also doubled in the final kilometres of the Sprint: “On the last lap I made a mistake at the first corner while I was trying to keep Marini's tail, picking up the track limits warning. I lost a lot of time and let Marquez catch me."
Both compatriots challenged each other to a duel on the last lap, with Marquez able to forcefully beat Aleix by just 78 thousandths at the finish line: “I hoped that the battle would be worth a podium finish. I know his aggressiveness and at the last corner I broke away very hard knowing that he would attack me on the inside. I thought he wouldn't stop the bike, but instead he managed to make it turn. In the brawls he is an exceptional rider, I had fun”.
Despite the fourth position that faded out at the end, the balance of this first part of the weekend in Thailand remains positive: “My expectations on the eve of it were much lower, I'll be honest. On a track that is not very congenial to us, we have proved competitive in every exit so far. We grabbed the front row in qualifying and fought for the podium in the Sprint, I'd say we're ready for tomorrow's race. I am satisfied with the team's work and my performance."
The number 41 is looking forward to Sunday with confidence, although there are still some doubts regarding tyres: “I don't know what to expect. I felt comfortable with the hard rear, but the degradation today was more than I expected, especially in the last 4-5 laps. Tomorrow's race will be largely decided by strategy."
Today's Sprint reaffirmed the speed of an irrepressible Martin, able to move to -18 from Bagnaia with this victory. An improvement also certified by the words of Espargarò himself: “he is traveling at an... exaggerated speed! Today I think he rode quite calmly and smoothly. He has learned from past mistakes and everything he can give, he gives. We can talk about dedication to work, talent, in the end who were crowned World Champions? The various Stoners, Marquez, etc... Jorge's speed is impressive, and we must consider that he has been racing in MotoGP for just three years. I don't know if it will happen, but if you ask me if he can win the world championship in Valencia I will say yes."
