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MotoGP, Espargaró: "What a shame, today I could have been first"

A mistake costs the Aprilia rider the lead in FP2: "Now I am able to be fast straight away in the wet, in dry conditions I'll aim for the podium"

MotoGP: Espargaró: "What a shame, today I could have been first"

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Jorge Lorenzo could already taste the third place time in FP2 at Motegi, but he had not yet reckoned with Aleix Espargaró. On his last available attempt, the Aprilia rider surprised the Majorcan, snatching the position from him and riding his RS-GP to finish behind Marc Marquez’s Honda. And to think that a mistake conditioned the number 41 rider’s performance, otherwise Dovizioso’s leadership could have been seriously in jeopardy.

I am very happy with the performance today – Aleix said – every time we find good grip conditions, even in the wet, we are able to be fast straight away. On the other hand, when there is less grip like in the rain in Assen or in Barcelona, we struggle, more or less like the Yamahas did.”

The third place ahead of the GP17 is one that surprises Aleix.

In the finale I decided to use the new tyre – he recalled – Unfortunately, I made a big mistake that cost me first place. A real shame.”

And to think that for Espargaró the wet is certainly not his favourite terrain.

The rain has never been one of my favourite conditions – he pointed out – In fact, in dry conditions I am more confident and I am aiming for a podium finish. Our bike is improving – he concluded – We are already working for next year, where the goal will be to stay in the top six positions.”

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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