Espargaro: “I think I deserve it”

He waited until the 284th Grand Prix start of his career to finally achieve his first victory. Aleix Espargaro has shown patience, but above all self-sacrifice over the years. Having worked with Ducati, Suzuki, Yamaha Forward and Aspar aboard an ART in the premier category, the Catalan is considered by many to be an outstanding tunemaker, but he has always missed this ultimate trophy.

No longer a dream but reality 🙌

After 200 starts in the first class @AleixEspargaro finally joined the list of Grand Prix winners 🏆 #ArgentinaGP 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/GGUqAlrSPe

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) April 3, 2022

But it’s now done! In Argentina, he entered the winner's circle in the premier class in which there are now 118 in total, 33 only in MotoGP since 2002. “I am extremely happy,” said Espargaro with tears in his eyes. During the preseason I felt like I had the best machine I've ever had in my career. Of course, at this moment it's difficult to judge whether this bike is capable of fighting for Top 10, Top 5 or winning. I got closer to the fastest during pre-season testing and in Qatar I felt strong. Step by step we show our potential. »

In Argentina, Espargaro may have won his first victory, but he also gave Aprilia its first victory in the premier class. “Today, it wasn’t a race in the wet, or luck,” he stressed. I think yesterday we proved that we were the fastest in qualifying and today in the race. It's like a dream and I'm very happy. I think this championship is one of the most difficult. The level of each factory is very high. I'm happy not only for me, but also for everyone at Aprilia in Noale, my family… It finally happened and I think I deserve it. »

“Six years ago when I left Suzuki to join Aprilia, no one wanted to go and no one believed in this project” – Espargaro

In victory, the oldest of the Espargaro siblings remains humble. Despite the difficulties he endured during his more than ten years in MotoGP, he thinks above all of Aprilia. “I'm happy to have won, but nothing has changed,” he said. I am a lucky person. My work is my passion, I have a dream family… I have everything a man could dream of. It won't change anything in my life, but I think for everyone at Aprilia it's a huge step. Six years ago when I left Suzuki to join Aprilia, no one wanted to go and no one believed in this project. Step by step, working very hard, it's incredible. The bike leads the championship, after pole position and a victory…”

After only three races, all six manufacturers entered in the category have all appeared on the podium at least once. Could this victory allow Aprilia to think even bigger? “It will be very difficult, but we are in the fight for victory, that’s for sure,” announced the new leader of the world championship. Like I said before, it's not luck, I think we deserve it. You have to keep your feet on the ground; the championship is extremely long this year, but yes, if we don't make any mistakes we will be in the mix for the podium or victory every weekend. I am more focused than ever. I'm already thinking about Austin, Portimão and Jerez, because I would like to maintain this dynamic. I'm in the last part of my career, I'm 32, but I want to finish in the best way possible. »

In a few days, the MotoGP paddock will meet in Austin for the GP of the Americas. As a reminder, last year on the Texan track, Espargaro fell five times during the weekend. But we clearly feel it in other arrangements and in the more than probable absence of Marc Marquez, almost undisputed master in Austin, everything is open...