Uphill race for Aprilia Racing in Motegi

ESPARGARÓ BATTLES TO FINISH NINTH, VIÑALES CRASHES OUT

Aleix Espargaró, from the fifteenth spot on the grid, had an outstanding start, managing to make up several positions already by the end of the first lap. Despite a significant lack of grip, the Spanish rider battled throughout the race in the top ten, eventually finishing ninth.

It was an unluckier race for Maverick Viñales, who was unable to exploit the third spot on the grid and the speed he had demonstrated on Friday and Saturday. Right after the start, on the first turn, a contact with another rider cost him several positions, making things difficult for him from the opening laps. In his attempt to come back, Viñales crashed out on the twelfth lap, bringing his race to a premature end.

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“It was a heated race. The ninth place was the only positive note of this weekend. The bike had no grip – the same problem we had throughout the weekend – so I struggled quite a bit with the rear tyre sliding around. We were unable to extract the full potential of the bike. We need to keep working.”

MAVERICK VIÑALES
“We struggled in this race. It was difficult to defend against the attacks of our rivals. I want to maintain that feeling from the qualifiers when we were able to express the full potential of the bike. I’ll try to give one hundred percent at Phillip Island. The asphalt is new and it is also a track that I like.”

MASSIMO RIVOLA
“Maverick gave us some great qualifiers, making us optimistic that we had rediscovered our speed. Nevertheless, the races – although conditioned by poor opening stages – told a different story. We absolutely must stay focused for this season finale, working harder than ever to figure out where we are going wrong.”