It was a great day for Aleix Espargaró at Montmeló. The Capitano started by earning pole position at his home circuit, also setting the new lap record with a time of 1’38.190. In the sprint race, Aleix lost a few positions at the start, but without losing contact with the leading group. After conducting an intelligent race, saving the tyres in the early stages, the rider from Granollers moved up several positions and took his first win of the season, Aprilia Racing’s third sprint race victory in 2024.
Qualifiers were complicated for Maverick Viñales who struggled in the time attack, finishing the session twelfth. Despite a good start in the Sprint Race, his comeback was hindered by a lack of feeling with the front tyre. When the chequered flag waved, Maverick was eighth.
ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“I have no words to describe this weekend. It’s a dream and I am experiencing so many beautiful emotions. It was a difficult race. The track did not have much grip and the pace the others set in the early laps was rather high. In any case, I knew that it would be difficult to maintain that pace, so I told myself to be patient and not to overtake in the early laps. The strategy worked and I am finally back on the top of the podium.”
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“I didn’t have great sensations on the bike and I was unable to be competitive. I feel like I’m always at the limit with the front tyre and I can’t brake. It was difficult, but I’m still optimistic because we have another opportunity in the long race. We’ll work in the garage to have a better feeling in the race. I’m extremely happy for Aleix and for the team. They deserve this win.”
<
Discussion about this post