Aleix Espargaró, the seasoned MotoGP veteran at 34, embarks on his eighth season with Aprilia, showcasing a blend of experience and peak physical condition. In an exclusive interview to Motosprint.it, Espargaró shares his insights into the 2024 MotoGP season, his aspirations, and his views on the competition, particularly highlighting Francesco Bagnaia’s exceptional talent and Jorge Martin’s impressive speed. Espargaró also weighs in on Marc Márquez’s anticipated performance with Ducati, predicting a potent combination of talent and machinery that could dominate the championship.
Espargaró Sets Sights on Top 3 Finish
Espargaró is aiming for a top-three finish in the world championship, a goal that has narrowly eluded him in the past two seasons. He acknowledges the high level of competition but remains confident in his ability to contend for the title.
Bagnaia and Martin: The Men to Beat
When asked about his main competitors for the title, Espargaró doesn’t hesitate to name Francesco Bagnaia as the primary contender. Bagnaia’s back-to-back titles, according to Espargarò, are a testament to his exceptional skill level, often underestimated by the public. Jorge Martin is also highlighted as a significant threat, having demonstrated remarkable speed in the latter part of the 2023 season.
Espargaròós Self-Belief and Expectations for Márquez
Despite the stiff competition, Espargaró considers himself a favorite for the championship, citing his experience and consistent performance in the top five over the last two years. He also shares his expectations for Marc Márquez’s move to Ducati, predicting that Márquez’s talent combined with Ducati’s top-tier machinery will make him one of the strongest competitors on the grid. Espargaró, familiar with the Gresini team from his time with Aprilia Gresini, believes Márquez has everything he needs to succeed.
The full interview with Aleix Espargaró offers a deeper dive into his thoughts on the upcoming MotoGP season, his competitors, and his own aspirations. As the 2024 season unfolds, Espargaró’s insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of one of MotoGP’s most experienced riders.