Espargaro: Aprilia suits me better than "strict" Suzuki
Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro says the Italian mentality of his new MotoGP team is a better fit for him than the "super-strict" Suzuki outfit he raced for previously.
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Espargaro joined Aprilia for 2017 after spending two seasons at Suzuki in 2015-16, and immediately equalled the Noale-based manufacturer's best premier class result with a "dream" sixth place in Qatar.
He was on for another top-eight finish in the subsequent Argentina race, but crashed out just after half-distance and collected Andrea Dovizioso's Ducati in the process.
But, just two races into his new partnership with Aprilia, Espargaro believes his new employer's more "passionate" way of working is suiting him better.
Asked about the difference in the style between Aprilia and Suzuki, the Spaniard said: "It's so different, I think I'm closer to the Italian mentality.
"Obviously the Japanese guys are super-strict, serious and sometimes a little bit slower, but they work perfectly.
"The Italians, and the Spanish, we work a little bit quicker, we are more passionate but sometimes we need to relax a little bit and work a little bit more calm.
"I'm a super-passionate guy, so I feel great working with the Italian people."
Espargaro perfect fit for Aprilia
Aprilia team manager and veteran MotoGP team boss Fausto Gresini believes that Espargaro, a two-time premier class polesitter and one-time podium finisher, is helping push the team forward.
"Aleix had a good feeling with Aprilia since the raced the CRT [with Aspar] in 2014," Gresini told Motorsport.com. "Now he came to the factory team with a lot of expectations and pushing the team.
"He is a rider that pushes for results. I think he is the best for the team."
After Espargaro's sixth place finish at Qatar, Gresini added he feels Aprilia's new objective for the rest of the year should be to take a podium finish.
"The competition is very, very close," said the Italian. "But also the new objective for the team is to reach the podium or something like that.
"The sixth place in Qatar was the best result [possible], we want to confirm that, take it from there and work to improve more in different areas."
Additional reporting by Oriol Puigdemont
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Yamamoto 'never imagined' scoring podium on injury comeback in Super Formula
Pourchaire “worried” for Super Formula prospects after nightmare debut
How Cassidy emerged triumphant from "mayhem" in Portland FE slow-burner
Espargaro considering Aprilia test rider role, but MotoGP future still open
2024 Aprilia MotoGP bike like an F1 car in Qatar corners - Espargaro
Why the British GP was a triumph for MotoGP
Raul Fernandez set to get 2024 Aprilia MotoGP bike at Jerez
Vinales clutch issue had Aprilia “worried” ahead of Americas MotoGP fightback
Why 2021 is Aprilia's most important MotoGP season
McLaughlin issues statement following St. Pete disqualification
Full-time IndyCar move “an option” says supersub Pourchaire
When Senna broke his F1 duck by walking on water
Josh Berry "not necessarily panicked" over tough 2024 season
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments