Aleix Espargaró had a difficult weekend in Malaysia. The overheating problems of his Aprilia handicapped him considerably, preventing him from shining. His gaze is now turned towards Barcelona and his Catalan lands where the grand finale of the season should take place which will coincide with the end of his career as a regular rider… The opportunity to help his great friend and his replacement at Aprilia Jorge Martin ?
The weekend of
Malaysian Grand Prix was particularly difficult for Aleix Espargarówho again suffered from heat problems on his Aprilia. Finish in 12th place during the race
Sprintfollowed by a 13th place in the racedoes not reflect the ambitions of a driver of his caliber. As he shares his thoughts his assessment is unequivocal: “ horrible, it was horrible. Very hot, the bike doesn't work when it's this hotit doesn't drive at all. »
Espargaro did not fail to express his frustration with the performance of his bike, which was compromised by an engine problem on Saturday, placing him far down the grid. “ We condemned ourselves for the weekend with the engine problem on Saturday. It's very difficult. The bike didn't run at all, I couldn't overtake and in the last laps I burned my hands. It was very complicated. »
Aleix Espargaró: « you can't breathe.
The last three rounds were criminal
»
The pilot Aprilia also mentioned the
breathing difficulties that he encountered throughout the race, revealing: “ you can't breathe.
I spent the whole race opening the vents in my helmet so I could breathe. The last three rounds were criminal. Very, very high temperature. And the truth is that even my hands, I burned my hands. It's horribleit's the Achilles heel of this bike.
»
With the final race of the season fast approaching at Aleix's home circuit of Montmelò, he is preparing to bid farewell to MotoGP. “ Valencia was also home, but without the pressure of being at home. I said a very fond farewell at the beginning of the year in Barcelona. It's clear that having my close friends, my family, it's very nice, but
it will be a bit of a strange atmosphere. »
Yet, Espargaro does not feel any additional pressure. “ No, for better or for worse,
I disconnected a little from the fight to win now. I'll try to have a good weekend. If it works, great, but I don't have that pressure, I don't notice it. » Despite the challenges, the driver remains determined to end the season and his career on a positive note.
MotoGP race Malaysian GP
MotoGP General Ranking
