MotoGP: Aleix Espargaro Laments 'Frustrating' British Grand Prix Challenge

Aleix Espargaro was frustrated with tire management issues during the British Grand Prix.

Apr 16, 2023; Austin, TX, USA; Aleix Espargaro (41) of Spain and Aprilia Racing prepares to race in the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas on April 16, 2023 at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports / Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports

Despite starting from a promising pole position and initially maintaining a competitive edge during the MotoGP British Grand Prix at the iconic Silverstone circuit, Aprilia racer Aleix Espargaro concluded Sunday's main event in sixth place—his second-best finish this season but one that left him with mixed feelings.

The Spanish rider, who showcased a brilliant sprint to third place during the Silverstone Sprint and held this position early in the main race, faced a significant setback as he watched not one, but three Ducati riders surpass him. The root of his frustration stemmed from struggling to manage rear tire wear, an issue that severely hampered his race pace as the laps wound down. Despite various strategic adjustments to the bike's electronics, including the engine brake and traction control, Espargaro found himself unable to stem the tide of competing riders. He commented on the race, as quoted by Crash.net:

“I think we did a solid job during the weekend, we did a lap record yesterday, lap record today, but in terms of management of the rear tyre, there's nothing I could do.

“It was very frustrating to see one and another and another Ducati overtake me, and going away. I tried my best with the electronics, trying up and down with the engine brake, with the TC [traction control], but nothing more I could do.”

Opting for a medium rear and a uniquely hard front tire—a choice shared only by Raul Fernandez—the decision played a dual role in Espargaro's day. While it granted him enhanced braking capabilities particularly crucial given the sporadic rain and cooler temperatures, it also underscored the inherent risks, amplified by Fernandez's crash on the opening lap.

“The hard front was the solution [not the problem], actually,” he said. “With these spots of rain, less than 30 degrees, to put the hard front, I've been very brave, and it paid off. I recovered a lot of time on the brakes.

“We know it was the right decision and luckily we took it, because there was a moment on the grid where I was very afraid. But the problem is the rear. There is nothing we can do against them, it's very frustrating.

“I felt that I was riding in really good during the weekend, no mistakes, really close to the limit all weekend, and going home with a sixth place is quite frustrating.

“But there are some types of days where more is impossible and today is this day [even if] the difference to the other Aprilias all weekend, the KTM, Yamaha and Honda is huge.”

Adding to the complexity of his Grand Prix outing were the newly introduced Aprilia aero upgrades, which Espargaro noted made the bike less physically demanding and significantly enhanced his endurance and comfort during the race.

“Silverstone is not really demanding, but yesterday talking with Jorge and Enea after the podium, they were tired and I wasn't. And today I'm like before the race. So it means that something helps."