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THIRD ROW FOR ALEIX AFTER THE QUALIFIERS AT MOTORLAND DE ARAGÓN

17 October 2020

On Saturday for the qualifiers at MotorLand de Aragón, Aleix Espargaró and his Aprilia RS-GP once again confirmed the good performance foreshadowed yesterday, pre-qualifying for Q2 during the first free practice session and demonstrating high levels in qualifying. Despite a misunderstanding on the final corner that forced the Spanish rider to abort a good lap, Aleix will be starting from the third row tomorrow in ninth place. The pace demonstrated with a used tyre is promising on a track which, without wind and at more favourable temperatures, is constantly improving in terms of grip.

There were good signs for Bradley Smith who, continuing to work in excellent synergy with his team, seems to have found a strong improvement in his feeling on the Italian MotoGP bike. His position on the grid is a bit more penalising. Starting from the seventh row, Bradley will need to rely on his excellent starting skills and then play his cards in the group.

ALEIX ESPARGARO’

“We do well here – that’s no surprise – but I also expected something more. Unfortunately, in qualifying I had to slow down to avoid Alex Márquez on what could have been a good lap. It’s a shame since it was important to start as far forward as possible on such an even playing field. In any case, I’m pleased with the setup, which lets me maintain a fast pace even on used tyres. We need to work on the character of the fresh engine I’m using. It provides a lot more power, but it is also a bit too aggressive. Aragón is definitely a good chance for us and, since we have to do two races here, we’ll try to get the most out of it.”

BRADLEY SMITH
“We found a good improvement today in terms of the bike’s balance. Working with the team, they implemented a few of my indications and we were able to make a step forward. Our starting position will penalise us tomorrow. I’ll have to get off the grid well when the lights go out and stay with the group. There are still some doubts where front tyre choice is concerned. The soft guarantees more grip, but I think I’ll opt for the stability the medium solution provides.”