Aleix Espargarò, after the MotoGP test in Jerez, visited Danilo Petrucci to apologize for the accident: “It’s not my fault, but I’m sorry”.
Aleix Espargaró closes the MotoGP test in Jerez with an encouraging sixth place. The Aprilia RS-GP responds well and confirms the good winter impressions, but it will be necessary to work for a long time in view of 2021. There was no shortage of engine problems for the Granollers driver, who poured oil stains on the track. A loss that caused Danilo Petrucci to crash at the beginning of the second session, when the Ducati rider was making his fourth lap. Fortunately, only a head injury, Friday will be regularly on the track.
After returning from the Misano test, Aleix Espargarò had already heated the Noale prototype. Although Jerez remains a difficult track for the Venetian manufacturer AND the RS-GP is a bike that needs to find full reliability. “With one of the two bikes both in the morning and in the afternoon we had an engine problem and oil leaked, much more in the afternoon – explained the Spaniard to DAZN -. In fact, my wheel was full of oil, I don’t know why I didn’t fall. Unfortunately Danilo crashed, I think he suffered a small injury. I’m really sorry, I spoke to him as soon as I got off the bike, even if it’s not my fault“.
Pros and cons of the new RS-GP
The Aprilia prototype confirms the progress, but for the results that count it will be necessary to wait for the MotoGP 2021 season. The forced stop for the pandemic did not help the technicians from Noale, who were also forced to freeze the engine at the end of June. “Due to the Covid emergency the new engine is not working as it should, problems are emerging now. We are a little worried – stressed Aleix Espargarò -, but luckily it’s only Wednesday and we have time. I hope to improve to face the weekend“. The temperatures put a strain on the pilots’ physique and the Andorra-resident pilot does not hold back. “You have to be prepared and not just publish the photos of the workouts on Instagram“.
Aleix says he is fully satisfied with the work done by Michelin with the new soft rear. “Works well. My bike is similar to Yamaha, it is different from Honda, KTM or Ducati. I can keep the inclination a little more in long curves. I did 20 laps in a row with an asphalt temperature of almost 60 ° C and I was always at 1’38. The tire is exceptional, Michelin has done an excellent job“.
