Aleix Espargaró apologizes to Aprilia for bike trouble

Aleix Espargaró apologizes to Aprilia

The first home race for Aprilia, in Italy at Mugello, had not started under the best auspices. An unfortunate slip on the bike yesterday in training returned a sore Aleix Espargaró to his right heel. Tests ruled out fractures but the Spanish rider certainly did not show up in the best physical condition. After the few laps in the morning, medical treatments allowed him to work better in the afternoon’s P2s, right up to the time attack where he earned an unexpected and extraordinary top-10. This means direct Q2 tomorrow to play for a place in the first 4 rows on the grid.

“First of all, I want to apologize to the team,” said the Catalan. “I know how important this race is for them and yesterday’s crash on the bike, due to my distraction, was certainly not the best start to the weekend. I did and will do everything to get the best out of it, gritting my teeth and putting up with the pain in my heel, which, unfortunately, is quite significant. This morning I did a few laps, then we treated the foot and in the afternoon, although limited, I was able to work. I think our fast lap could have been even better: in the first attempt I made a mistake, in the second I found yellow flags and in the third I did my best. Now I aim to rest, decrease the inflammation and get myself in the best possible condition for Saturday.”