Did the after-effects of Saturday’s highsider cost a better result? – The Aprilia rider wonders why Ducati were suddenly so fast
After his wild highsider in Saturday’s practice session, it was initially unclear whether Aleix Espargaro would be able to contest the British Grand Prix. But after the warm-up it was clear that the Aprilia man would ride. In the end, the Spaniard took ninth place at Silverstone.
With teammate Maverick Vinales in contention for victory, would more have been possible for Espargaro had he not had the crash on Saturday? “Difficult. There are no excuses. I was not fast enough. It wasn’t because of the pain,” he says.
“I wasn’t in pain, but I couldn’t move freely on the bike. That’s why I couldn’t help the bike in right turns. I didn’t have any traction on the right side. Everyone passed me in the corner where I had the crash. “
“I lost a lot of speed there. The crash definitely didn’t help. I felt my body but I wasn’t in much pain. It’s a pity because I couldn’t overtake. I couldn’t ride aggressively. I lacked the pace. We couldn’t fight for the win.”
Until his practice crash, Espargaro had been faster than Vinales. “Yes, but you have to show that in the race. I think I had better pace and could have fought for the win. But you have to prove that. “
“I didn’t understand the race at all. Both Ducatis had no pace all weekend and then two are in front. They did exceptionally well. I don’t understand where they found that pace.”
“Bezzecchi was very strong and he only finished tenth. Fabio was very strong and he finished with me. KTM was there in the leading group. On Friday Bastianini was not in the top 15. I don’t understand what happened in the race. I had no traction on the right. “
No chance in duel with Quartararo
In the closing stages there was still a duel between Espargaro and Quartararo. At one point Espargaro tried a manoeuvre, but the World Champion kept the upper hand. Therefore, Espargaro’s deficit increased by one point to 22 World Championship points.
“My overtaking manoeuvre on the last lap was not possible because I was far behind him. But I had to try. I released the front brake and stabbed to the inside. I knew it was only for one point, but that wasn’t the point. I wanted to get to the front.”
“I missed a good chance to make up championship points,” sighed Espargaro. The race continues in a fortnight with the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg. Is that enough time to get fully fit again?
“I hope so. Now I have pain everywhere. The feet are better than yesterday, I can walk. But I have a lot of pain in my legs, neck and back. Next week I have to rest.” Espargaro will also have another full check-up at the Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona on Monday.
