Aleix Espargaro was satisfied to be able to fight for a podium finish in the Australian grand prix at Phillip Island alongside Aprilia team-mate Andrea Iannone.
The RS-GP struggled in the wet FP1 session on Friday, but came alive in the drier conditions as Espargaro and Iannone qualified an excellent seventh and eighth just half-a-second away from second placed Fabio Quartararo.
The Aprilia’s qualifying speed also translated to a strong race performance as the pair remained in podium contention throughout the 27 lap encounter, within a leading group of eight riders that included both Suzuki GSX-RR’s and three Ducati’s.
Iannone even briefly snatched the lead away during the opening stages, passing Cal Crutchlow at MG on lap four before being passed moments later down the start/finish straight.
This was the first time since the 2000 British grand prix at Donington Park that Aprilia had led a race in the premier class.
Iannone ultimately finished a seasons-best sixth-just 0.781 away from third-placed Jack Miller- while Espargaro came home tenth just over a second further behind.
Espargaro was unable to make much progress from the rear of the podium contending group due to a lack of traction, but still “enjoyed it (race) from the beginning.”
“This track is pretty special, completely different to the other circuits and this track rewards rider skill more and it doesn’t matter so much how string the bike is, it’s a very flowing track and I enjoyed it from the beginning,” said Espargaro.
“It’s a bit frustrating as I struggled with traction during the race from the beginning and couldn’t really attack, I wasn’t able to gain time or positions because of this due to the spinning but it was good to be in the podium group.”
“Fast corners flattered RS-GP”- Iannone
Iannone meanwhile reckoned the lack of slow speed turns at Phillip Island flattered the Italian machines form, much like the similarly flowing layout at Aragon last month did where the duo also both finished in the top ten.
“For sure it was a good race for us, I gave it 150% during the race,” explained Iannone.
“This track was for sure better for us because we are not braking a lot and the engine is not so important, it’s clear how much we were losing in the straights as I lost many positions.
“In any case this track doesn’t have many slow corners which helped us, and we had a really good race and it was important we are happy because everyone in the team is working stronger and we will keep trying to close the gap.
“It’s my first year with Aprilia, and to finish sixth here is really good, and I have high hopes for next year as we made a step forward.”
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