Aleix Espargaró will start the MotoGP season motivated to do well at the Qatar GP. The Spanish rider finished the tests in Lusail in the top three and hopes to continue fighting for podiums and wins throughout the season.
In a debrief, the Aprilia Racing rider spoke about what he expects from the first GP of the season:
– ‘Last year Aprilia finished on the podium here, which are good indicators for this year’s race. Everyone has tested here, so it will all come down to the details, the small details. The 2024 bike is more competitive everywhere. I already knew that we would be very competitive here in Qatar.
Aleix also spoke about the most important technical aspect in MotoGP at the moment and the importance of having a factory bike.
– ‘The most important technical aspect at the moment is everything… As we are all so close, we need a bike that is perfect in every way. For the first time in my career I arrive at the first race of the year relaxed, I can’t explain why, but I’m much more relaxed than in other years. It may be because I’ve already achieved a lot in my career and because of the stage I’m going through, but I’m much more relaxed.
The Spanish driver also spoke about the tires and the change in tire pressure:
– ‘The tires are exactly the same. I don’t know if I’ve had much luck with tires in recent seasons, because every rider has at least three bad tires during the year and I’ve only had one. I think the riders have to blame Michelin less, sometimes the riders can feel bad about a tire, but it’s not always the tires’ fault. I’m very happy with the change in tire pressure, because last year it was a nightmare to always be counting the pressure to the detail so as not to get a penalty.
Aleix Espargaró is coming to the end of his career and spoke about his prospects for the future.
– ‘Not everything depends on me to continue. Romano (Albesiano) has said several times that he wishes I’d never retire, but at the moment he’s no longer in charge of contracts, it’s Massimo (Rivola), so I don’t know. If I keep fighting for podiums and wins and Aprilia wants me to stay, I’ll stay.