Aleix Espargaro Targets Repeat Success at Silverstone
Aleix Espargaro Aims to Repeat Success at Silverstone
After missing the Dutch Grand Prix and Sachsenring weekend due to a hand fracture, Aleix Espargaro is ready to kick off the second half of the 2024 MotoGP™ season with the goal of repeating his impressive victory at Silverstone from last year. The Aprilia rider, who achieved one of the best wins of his career at the British circuit in 2023, is eager to return to the track that has brought him great joy.
The 2023 Victory and Aprilia’s Performance
Espargaro, who started from sixth on the grid to overtake reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia on the final lap of last year’s British Grand Prix, described Silverstone as a track that suits the RS-GP and himself very well. “It’s a track I really like, not only because of last year’s victory but also because it was one of the most historic moments since I joined Aprilia, with our first podium in 2021,” Espargaro said.
With the RS-GP performing well at Silverstone, Espargaro and his team hope to replicate last year’s success. “The goal is to repeat the 2023 result. Last year, the Aprilias were always at the front. We hope to do well again this year; the team in Noale has worked over the summer break to improve the bike,” Espargaro added.
Maverick Viñales’ Preparation
Espargaro’s teammate, Maverick Viñales, also has a strong record at Silverstone, including his first MotoGP™ victory in 2016 as a Suzuki rider. Viñales has also secured two podiums with Aprilia, with a third place in last year’s sprint race and a second place in the 2022 Grand Prix.
“I’ve always felt competitive at Silverstone; it’s always exciting to race here on a track full of history,” Viñales commented. He is also energized after the summer break and ready to tackle the second half of the season. “I’m full of energy after the summer break; I’ve been training, and I’m ready to attack the second half of the season.”
News and Expectations
Viñales also welcomed the promotion of Trackhouse rider Raúl Fernández to the RS-GP24 this weekend. “We’ll try to exploit the full potential of the bikes. Raúl will be riding the RS-GP24 for the first time. It will be great to have four 2024 bikes on the track and very useful to gather as much data as possible,” Viñales said.
With Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales well-prepared and optimistic for the British Grand Prix, Aprilia is set to try and repeat last year’s success at Silverstone. The combination of a strong track record and ongoing bike development promises an exciting performance from the team in the second half of the season.
