Aleix Espargaro says he 'feels ready' to fight for podiums as he “riding better than ever”, but admits Aprilia is “still far” from being rostrum challengers in MotoGP.
Espargaro is in his third season with Aprilia, and currently sits 13th in the standings after two top 10 results from the first three races of the 2019 season aboard the RS-GP.
Speaking in an interview with motogp.com, Espargaro says the current Aprilia squad is “the best I have ever had”, and believes the “minimum” goal for the team has to be podium given the size of the brand.
“This team is the best I have ever had at Aprilia,” said Espargaro.
“I feel I am better than ever, I'm riding better than ever in my career. I'm feeling super-good physically, and I think the decisions I make during the weekend and while I'm riding are the best I ever make in my life, because at close to 30 years old I can manage better the situation.
“So it's a little frustrating I cannot go more than the top 10. I would really like to fight for the podium, I feel that I'm ready to fight for the podium more than ever.
“This is Aprilia, not a small brand. It's a big brand, we have a big factory supporting us. The goal has to be, at the minimum, the podium and I'm working very hard to achieve it.
“But at the moment, we have to be realistic. We are still far.”
Espargaro says Aprilia has started '19 where it left off at the end of '17, following a “forgettable” '18 campaign in which he managed just three top 10 finishes – four less than he tallied up in '17.
He feel “all areas” of the team have taken a “big step forward” from last year, while praising new CEO and ex-Ferrari Formula 1 sporting director Massimo Rivola for 'raising the level' of Aprilia.
“Unfortunately we really lose one year; last season was a forgettable season,” he added.
“I think '19 season, we start from where we finish the '17 one. This year I feel the team has made a big step forward.
“I really feel that in all areas it's the best team I have ever had in terms of bike, in terms of the people with the arrival of Massimo [Rivola, CEO].
“He has raised the level of the team, the organisation is much better. This is clear. The resources, the way we are working, this is better.
“My new crew chief [Pietro Carpara], we improve a lot the communication between all of the guys of the team. We have a test team that brings us a lot more information.
“The arrival also of [new team-mate] Andrea [Iannone] brings not just info about the Ducati and the Suzuki, but also about how they work. So it's good to have some info about our rivals.”
Discussion about this post