Aleix Espargarò still does not throw in the towel and in Malaysia he must try the miracle. But he admits the superiority of the Ducati brand in 2022.
Ninth place in Australia dampened the enthusiasm at home Aprilia, fighting for the world title since the victory of Aleix Espargarò at Termas de Rio Hondo. But the eastern tour, which was supposed to be an opportunity to get closer to the top of the charts, did not go according to plan. In Motegi a mistake in the pits caused a heavy zero, in Thailand and Australia he had to deal with some electronics problems.
In no uncertain terms, the Granollers rider admitted that the Noale manufacturer is still not up to being able to compete for the world title. But with two races left of the season, and with a gap of 27 points from the new leader Pecco Bagnaia, you have to try to the last. Not an easy feat when you have to deal with eight Ducati Desmosedici and a rider capable of recovering 105 points in eight races on the former record holder Fabio Quartararo.
Aleix Espargarò honors Ducati
Waiting to try everything out on the Sepang circuit, Aleix Espargarò he admits that it is “frustrating” to see Ducati one step forward. “I am amused by the fact that until recently everyone was saying that Aprilia was the ‘new Ferrari’. I know I have a good bike and we have improved it. But it is by no means at the level of the best bike on the grid. It has never been like this“. Bitter words those of the Andorran resident rider who was unable to overtake in the Phillip Island GP due to a problem with the maps of the RS-GP22.
Same problem also recorded by the box mate Maverick Vinales. The World Championship is slipping out of his hands after chasing it for a whole championship, ending up in those of the men in red, the Ducati ‘cousins’. “He made a lot of mistakes at the beginning of the year and he’s paying for them even now. But Ducati’s results today… are frustrating“, Added Aleix Espargarò. “It doesn’t matter who rides the bike“. In turn, all Ducati riders manage to be competitive and occupy the top positions on the starting grid and at the finish line.
The pace of Pecco Bagnaia is impressive, having collected four victories and three podiums in the last eight races. All that remains is to face reality and run for cover in view of next year. The world dream must be cultivated step by step … “We are not at the level to fight for this title. We have conceded many, many points, because in the last three races… This is ridiculous if you want to fight for the title“.
