Aleix Espargaró demonstrated impressive tactical intelligence and resilience during the Catalan Grand Prix sprint race in Barcelona, the sixth round of the 2024 MotoGP. Despite the challenges, the Spanish veteran was able to exploit his rivals’ mistakes to claim a victory brilliant.
“ I said Thursday that on 80% of the tracks, you can go hard” said Espargaró
after the race. “ But there are some circuits where it’s not just about speed. »And Barcelona, with its treacherous corners and variable grip, is one of them.
Raul Fernandez, Brad Binder
And Pecco Bagnaia, each at the head at a given moment, all ended up falling. “ I could have gone as fast as them at the start. After a bad start, I said to myself ‘they have exceeded the limits’. They used the front and rear a lot. I could see him from behind. I said to myself ‘either crash or they’ll destroy the front and rear tires so you’ll have options in the end’. I was right. »
The patience ofAleix Espargaro has paid. “ I was trying not to overtake. I could keep up their pace. I analyzed everyone’s rhythm. I was the only one to prove that I could go below 39.5 for a few laps. They were doing this trick, which means they went over the limit. If I tried to go over, I would have gone over the limit. So I said ‘wait five rounds’. When the grip drops, I will have the opportunity to attack. »
Aleix Espargaró: “ it’s good to go fast and stay in front, but the important thing is to go to the end and you have to use your head »
His strategy worked perfectly. “ I attacked Jorge Martin, then Pedro Acosta, then everyone started to fall. Sometimes having experience pays off! It’s good to go fast and stay in front, but the important thing is to go all the way and you have to use your head. »
Espargaró also commented on the performance of his rivals. “ Raul was very fast and I hope he is happy with his speed, but you have to be calmer because the races are very long. With Pecco, I had the opportunity to overtake him, but I let him pass to avoid contact. Eventually, I put pressure on him and he made a mistake. »
When talking about his home victory, Espargaró could not hide his joy. “ Amazing. After a difficult race where you are focused, when you realize that you are on your home circuit, on the main straight, winning the race. I’m super happy. The confirmation this week of my retirement freed me from all expectations. »
“ I have no pressure, ” did he declare. “ I have a contract until the end, then after Valencia I will return home. I’m going to try to have fun, to smile. Today I enjoyed it. I spoke to my wife, I saw my friends. It’s a fairy tale. The pole position, the sprint victory, everyone in the stands was cheering me on… I couldn’t dream of a better Thursday, Friday and Saturday at my last home GP. »
Aleix Espargaro showed that experience and strategy can triumph over young guns hungry for victories.
His performance in Barcelona will remain an example of mastery and wisdom on the track.
MotoGP, Catalonia Sprint: classification
Motogp.com ranking credit
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