GOOD COMEBACK BY ALEIX ESPARGARÓ, ELEVENTH ACROSS THE FINISH LINE
In the preparatory session for the race today, Aleix Espargaró proved to be a candidate for a top 10 finish, a result that escaped him by a hair due to a less-than-perfect start. In fact, the Spanish rider had to make up positions after finishing the first lap eighteenth during a physically and mentally demanding race. In fact, the high temperatures and constant threat of rain forced the riders to put forth extra effort in managing the race.
With this eleventh place finish, the Aprilia rider takes home his third good result in the last four races and, along with it, another confidence boost in view of Valencia.
It was a difficult race for Scott Redding, hindered by the same grip problems that compromised his entire Malaysian weekend.
ALEIX ESPARGARO’
“This was certainly one of the three most physically demanding races of my entire career. I started very badly and lost a lot of positions on the first turn, so I had to make up ground. After a few passes, a gap formed behind my brother, Pol. I managed to overtake him after a good battle. At that point, I was making up ground on the tenth place rider, but there were only a few laps left. Today’s result is positive, but we want to do more and we know we can, so we need to keep working and preparing our 2019 season as best we can.”
SCOTT REDDING
“Unfortunately, my race today ended after six laps. We had problems with grip throughout the weekend and as soon as the tyres began to wear a bit, it was impossible for me to push. Riding very aggressively, the improvement in times was minimum, so I was forced to set my sights on just finishing the race.”