Maverick Viñales is currently in the spotlight in MotoGP after winning and shining at the Americas GP two weeks ago. Aleix Espargaró was asked if his teammate could be a title contender, but clarified that it is necessary to stay calm and that #12, like all eight top riders in the standings, are in the title race.
Asked about the team atmosphere after Maverick Viñales’ victory, Espargaró said: ‘As before. We have the best atmosphere in the paddock. We still don’t have the best bike, but we are very, very close, but the team atmosphere was fantastic before the victory and continues to be fantastic now. Maybe Maverick is more relaxed because he has been looking for this victory for a long time and finally achieved it, he deserves it and I am happy for him and obviously for the team because it has not been easy for them in recent years.’
As for whether this track, which both riders know very well, suits him more than his teammate or not, #41 replied: ‘Certainly Austin and Portimão are two of the most difficult tracks for me, so Jerez, no excuses, is a circuit where I have been very fast normally and the Aprilia is very good here. We got a podium three years ago and pole position last year, so I am fighting for the top and hope we can have a good race here and Maverick will also be strong because the bike is working, so there is no problem.’
Étant donné la façon dont Viñales roule, Espargaró a été interrogé sur savoir si son coéquipier est un véritable prétendant au titre, mais au lieu de cela, il a répondu en demandant de la patience: ‘Nous devons lui donner plus de temps, il a du crédit, il a été très, très rapide en Amérique et il a également gagné avec Yamaha là-bas, donc nous devons lui donner plus de temps, c’est comme nous l’avons dit aujourd’hui: «Maverick peut remporter le titre et Pecco [Bagnaia] ne peut plus»… ce ne sont que trois courses et il reste encore un long chemin à parcourir. Bien sûr, il est un prétendant, mais les huit premiers sont très serrés en termes de points, donc tous ceux qui se trouvent parmi les huit premiers peuvent être des prétendants, à 100%.’
