Espargaro Compares 2024 Aprilia MotoGP Bike to F1 Car in Qatar Corners
Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro is excited about the significant improvements to the team’s bike for the 2024 MotoGP season. During the winter test at Sepang, the new aerodynamic approach of the V4-powered RS-GP caught the eye, but he was testing Bluesail . that Espargaro was truly impressed.
The updated bike represents a clear step up from 2023, when Espargro took third place in the half track in Qatar last Saturday. He crossed the finish line just behind winners Jorge Martin (Permac) and runner-up Brad Binder (KTM).
Although the Spanish rider again cited the lack of power as the main weakness of the Aprilia package in 2024, he expressed his appreciation for the speed he was able to maintain through the curves of the Losil Circuit.
“At the top of the curves it’s amazing, like Formula 1,” said the winner of three MotoGP races. “It’s great to ride this bike. I had a lot of fun, especially turning 12, 13, 14, 15. It’s crazy how fast you can keep pace in the middle of fast corners.”
Espargero acknowledged the need for improvements in engine power, but stressed that this is still the first race of the season and there is time to improve.
Given the top speeds of the Ducati riders in the pre-season tests at Sepang and Losail, many feared another year of Borgo Panigale’s dominance in the premier class. However, Espargero and Binder’s results in Qatar suggest Ducati may not have an easy road in 2024.
“I don’t know if it’s true because we did a lot of test days here, but anyway, Brad [Binder] and I showed that we will fight hard to put our bikes on top, to fight against the Ducatis,” said Espargero.
Espargro’s impressive performance was evident in the second half of the race, with several competitors reporting a significant drop in tire performance. He overtook Gresini’s Marc Marquez to take fourth before taking the final podium spot from defending champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) on the penultimate lap.
The Spanish driver is confident of his performance in the closing laps on worn tyres, which could be a decisive asset in Sunday’s main race. The battle with the Ducatis can be challenging on the straights, but Espargero showed impressive speed in the corners.
Espargero’s performance is so impressive that even Marc Marquez, now at Ducati, considers him his favourite, especially after his performance in the final laps of the sprint race.
“If it’s like today, then [he’s your favorite],” Marks said. “In the second part of the race he was still running 1m 52s. He was really quick. He seemed to be managing the tires very well, so he looks like the favorite for Sunday .”
As fans eagerly await the start of the season, Espargero and Aprilia are determined to exceed expectations and make 2024 an unforgettable MotoGP season.
