The fact that he dominated yesterday’s first day of practice for the Motorbike Grand Prix on Sunday in Barcelona (from 11 a.m., live on ServusTV) fitted Aleix Espargaro’s script perfectly. The Aprilia driver, who grew up just a few kilometers from the Circuit de Catalunya, snatched the best time of the day ahead of his teammate Maverick Vinales. Most recently four times in a row on the podium and behind world championship leader Fabio Quartararo in second place with only eight points behind in lurking position in the overall standings, he was also an eye-catcher with his helmet, which was specially designed for the home race.
“Four years ago, right during the Barcelona GP, my twins Max and Mia were born. My daughter had a heart condition, she had to have two surgeries. I was worried a lot. But the doctors helped her a lot and now I want to publicly say thank you with the specially prepared helmet,” says Espargaro.
For ServusTV expert Alex Hofmann, Espargaro has long been the secret favorite for the world title. “Aleix is an unremarkable worker who shows a lot of consistency and perseverance. His story with Aprilia, how much sweat and energy effort he put into it over the years, is just beautiful.”
There was good news for all Marc Marquez fans yesterday. The six-time MotoGP world champion had his right arm operated on for the fourth time in the USA. “The intervention was successful,” MotoGP said in a statement. Marquez’s backup driver for the next few races, Germany’s Stefan Bradl, was less fortunate on his return to the circuit yesterday. He crashed and had to put the Honda in the garage prematurely. (free)
Source: Nachrichten
