Aprilia Racing and Aleix Espargaro are determined to prove their claims of being on par with Ducati in MotoGP 2023 after a much-needed strong performance at the French Grand Prix. While Aprilia has already secured a victory in the previous season, their results this year have been mixed, with only one podium finish by Maverick Vinales in the Portuguese Grand Prix.
Espargaro, who had a challenging start to the season, acknowledges that the gap between Aprilia and Ducati is not significant at the moment. However, he emphasizes the need for tangible results to support their assertions.
The Spanish rider expressed his relief at having a race where he felt strong and faster than his competitors, despite the fifth-place finish not being ideal. He believes that after the tumultuous start to the season, the team can take a moment to regroup and approach the upcoming Mugello Grand Prix with renewed determination.
Espargaro remains confident in the capabilities of the Aprilia bike, asserting that they are not far behind Ducati. However, he acknowledges the importance of translating that belief into better race performances and is eager to prove their potential on the track.
Looking ahead, Espargaro hopes that his successful outing at Le Mans is just the start of a resurgence in his form for the remainder of the 2023 season. Despite not being fully satisfied with his fifth-place finish, he acknowledges the progress he made, showcasing improved speed and executing several overtakes. He aims to build on this momentum, secure more points, and close the gap to the leading riders. By the summer break, he aspires to be among the top five in the championship standings.
Overall, Espargaro and the Aprilia Racing team are determined to back up their claims of competitiveness against Ducati through consistent performances and strong results in the upcoming races.