Still in the game
The surprise podium package of Aprilia and Espargaro now just 17 points adrift
“My life is all about resilience.” These were Aleix Espargaro’s first words after his first return to the podium in seven races. The seemingly evercheerful Spaniard had been best of the rest at Aragon, six seconds behind the two duelling Ducatis.
It was another demonstration, if one were needed, of the growing strength of the upgraded 2022 Aprilia, former underdog of the grid. And also of the fighting spirit of this – yes, resilient rider.
Backed by his string of podiums earlier in the year, and an ability to make the most of the bad days and ignore pain and injuries, the podium return means that Espargaro is still in the championship game.
Thanks to Quartararo’s no-score, Aleix is just 17 points off the lead and seven down on Bagnaia, with five races and plenty of chances left.
Nobody expected either the rider or his motorcycle to be serious contenders this year – even after his maiden win in Argentina. A succession of second places in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy had him a close second overall – just eight points down eight races in.
But even so there was a feeling that it couldn’t last. After all, he’d been trying in MotoGP without success since 2009… and five years before that in the smaller classes.
At 32, the elder Espargaro became the oldest full-timer on the grid, with the retirement of Andrea Dovizioso one race ago. In that long career, he had watched younger brother Pol win the Moto2 crown in 2013, and racked
‘I never lose faith. I always believe...’
up 283 starts with just two podium finishes in MotoGP and one in Moto2.
The Argentine win was at the 284th attempt. This gives extra weight to his post race remarks at Aragon. “I never lose faith. I always believe. These guys (Quartararo and Bagnaia) are very, very strong, but we are still strong. Pecco has the best bike and he is riding better than us. But anything can happen. Let’s play!”