Aprilia’s missed opportunity
Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia may suffer season-long nightmares over their lost opportunity for a Qatar GP win. The momentum from imposing pace in qualifying (second) and the Sprint (third) was squandered in the feature grand prix on Sunday despite Espargaro having valid reasons to hope that the RS GP could spring an early season GP surprise on Ducati.
Rear tyre issues from lap one quickly cut down Espargaro’s aspirations after his impressive Sprint performance.
But Espargaro still has faith in the bike, saying: “In the apex of the corners, it's unbelievable, like Formula 1. It’s crazy the speed you can carry in the middle of the fast corners.”
The RS GP’s strengths are innovative aero concepts and handling, with only more top-end
‘It’s crazy the corner speed you can carry’
power on Espargaro’s wish list. Qatar was a sweet spot for rider and bike but, not for the first time, they didn’t maximise their chances.
Espargaro added: “I wasn’t able to battle like in the Sprint but I know we have a competitive bike despite missing a good opportunity.” Teammate Maverick Viñales was in the doldrums and heaped early pain on his campaign, spending the weekend just nudging the top ten. Again clearly shaded by his veteran countryman.
And he showed that even for a fast V4, qualifying tenth is an issue in races. Viñales, who could not find a set-up to manage rear tyre wear, could do no better ninth (Sprint) and tenth (MotoGP).
It was a rather uninspiring and potentially costly performance considering he will soon be seeking a contract extension for 2025.