Aprilia is in a complicated situation in Mandalika. Certainly, Maverick Vinales qualified directly for Q2, but the latent lack of competitiveness of the firm worries its main elements. Aleix Espargaro had all the trouble in the world getting his RS-GP24 to work in Indonesia, and could not do better than 15th at the end of Practice. Additionally, Miguel Oliveira will not be able to help the troops due to a serious wrist injury. There is reason to ask questions.
A bit like “Top Gun” a little earlier, Aleix Espargaro did not go easy on his own employer. «
I never managed to do a good lap, and I even crashed twice. It’s frustrating, because we were competitive last year. Today, at Aprilia, no one has managed to stand out » he said to GPOne microphones. The Spaniard, who will join the ranks of Honda to ensure development in 2025, is quite pessimistic.
Photo :
Michelin Motorsport
It’s rather rare, but Aleix took the liberty of criticizing the firm that he himself helped to reach a very high level.
« I don’t save myself. All opponents have progressed but we remained at the same level as in 2023. For next year, in Noale, they will have to improve the engine and the chassis to have better stability. As soon as you push, you lose grip at the rear. We have the feeling of having reached the limit of development”
he clarified bitterly.
Photo :
Michelin Motorsport
Let’s hope that Jorge Martin, the future factory driver, doesn’t hear what his old friend had to say. Still, unlike Fabio Quartararo, Aleix Espargaro does not blame Michelin. « It’s far from easy to operate the tires when the track temperature is 60°C. The conditions are extreme and yet the track record was still broken. It would be unfair to point the finger at the tires » he concluded.
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Practice result at the 2024 MotoGP Indonesian Grand Prix:
Ranking credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
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