Aleix Espargaró finished the first day of practice at the Catalunya GP in first place overall. The Spanish rider, after announcing that he would retire from racing at the end of the season, set the record for the fastest lap at the Montmeló circuit and secured access to Q2.
In a debrief, the Aprilia Racing rider spoke about the sensations he had during the first day of practice in Barcelona.
– The grip is very poor, in the morning I struggled to be fast and it was very strange in the morning. Fortunately in the afternoon I was able to have fun and be fast, I never thought I could break the fastest lap record today, but I’m happy. The grip is a bit worse and it’s always a shock to arrive here after a circuit with a lot more grip. The way we drive has to be completely different because if you rush the throttle coming out of the corner you start to lose grip and time and you can never regain traction.
Asked about the feeling of already being considered a rider who will retire at the end of the season, Aleix replied: ‘Yesterday was an incredible day, one of the happiest days of my life. I felt this morning that I had made the right decision, because I was very happy, relaxed and relieved. At breakfast I felt like I was at home, super relaxed without thinking about anything, on the bike I was also relaxed, so it was really good. I hope that if I carry on like this, relaxed and riding like this, I can win the title.
Aleix also spoke about the possibility of Martín taking his place when he retires.
– It’s a good team and a good bike, but it’s not fair. Martín deserves the bike of his dreams, which is the Ducati and the factory team, and if he doesn’t get it, it will be very unfair. Seeing Jorge win the title and races with Aprilia would be a dream.