THE GAMBLE ON THE "SOFT" DOESN’T PAY OFF FOR ALEIX ESPARGARÓ, STILL IN THE POINTS
15 October 2023 - He believed, he tried, and he missed by just three tenths of a second after an extraordinary race. This sums up Maverick Viñales’ second place in Indonesia, a well-deserved podium after battling with both Martin (who then crashed) and Bagnaia. And, in the finale, contending with Quartararo’s aggressive attacks.
After a good start, Viñales settled in behind Martin, moving into the race lead during the twelfth lap. The narrow gap allowed Bagnaia to catch up and Maverick yielded the top spot to him during the nineteenth lap. When everything seemed to be set in stone, the Aprilia rider came back strong, even making a play for the win (which he missed by just three tenths of a second) under the chequered flag.
Aleix Espargaró’s gamble choosing the soft rear tyre did not pay off. The compound he was most confident with did not allow him to be incisive after mid-race, after which the goal was simply to make it to the chequered flag without any pointless mistakes. The six points awarded for his tenth place are – in light of the pace demonstrated throughout the weekend – small consolation.
Aleix Espargaró (bike no. 41): “Choosing the soft tyre for the rear was undoubtedly a mistake. Unfortunately, during the warm-up session this morning, I did not have a good feeling with the medium, and we decided to take the risk on the starting grid.
I expected a drop in performance, but not so soon. Basically, after ten laps, it turned into a race of survival. It’s a pity because being competitive, being able to make a play for the podium in this MotoGP is anything but simple, so squandering chances like this leaves a bitter taste in your mouth."
Maverick Viñales (bike no. 12): “Today I took advantage of yesterday’s experience. When Martin began to lap fast, I was patient, looking after the tyre. I knew that if I pushed too hard at the beginning, it would create difficulties in the finale. From this point of view, it was not a simple race.
When there were just a few laps left, I decided to go all in. I wanted to put the pressure on Pecco and make a play for the win. In any case, it is still a good result, and it confirms that when we exploit our technical package well, we can battle with the best."
GP OF INDONESIA, SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER 2023, THE SPRINT RACE:
www.aprilia.com/en_EN/aprilia-world/racing/aprilia-motogp-2023-mandalika-saturday
GP OF INDONESIA, THE PRACTICES, FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER 2023:
www.aprilia.com/en_EN/aprilia-world/racing/aprilia-motogp-2023-mandalika-friday
