Aleix Espargaro from Aprilia believes that Ducati has significantly improved its race and tyre management, especially after witnessing their performance securing the top five positions at the British Grand Prix.
Espargaro set an impressive record-breaking lap to clinch pole position for both the Silverstone MotoGP sprint and the grand prix. However, he quickly realized that he was unable to compete with the faster Ducatis aboard his Aprilia RS-GP, falling to fourth place right at the start of the race, trailing three riders on the latest GP24 models.
Despite successfully overtaking Enea Bastianini in a move at Village on the third lap, maintaining that lead proved to be challenging. The Ducati factory rider swiftly reclaimed his position shortly after the race’s halfway mark.
Espargaro also experienced a significant decline in tyre performance during the closing laps of the 20-lap race, eventually finishing in sixth, 9.5 seconds behind the leader and behind even the older GP23 bikes of Marc Marquez and Fabio di Gianantonio.
However, the experienced rider believes that his performance slump at Silverstone wasn’t solely due to Aprilia’s struggles in MotoGP; instead, it highlights the substantial pace that Ducati maintains over its competitors.
On that day, Espargaro was the only non-Ducati rider to finish within the top eight, as Ducati managed to place all eight of its bikes in the top 10 for only the second time in history.
“Similar to Barcelona, I indicated on Friday that we need to enhance our race management since Ducati has made a remarkable advancement since last year,” he stated, reflecting on his fourth-place finish after earning pole at the Catalan GP in May.
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“This race resembled my performance in Barcelona; I finished nine seconds behind the winner after achieving pole position and setting a track record.
“However, Ducati possesses that extra edge, performing effortlessly and consistently differentiating themselves on race day. I pushed excessively and ultimately struggled with tyre management to match their pace.
“Today’s results speak volumes. I was the only Aprilia among the Ducati riders, with the first eight bikes all belonging to Ducati, which leaves little more to say.”
Espargaro was one of the only two riders on the grid to opt for the hard front tyre, despite the cooler conditions by race time at 1pm local UK time.
This sparked initial speculation that his tyre choice was the cause of his struggles, but Espargaro later clarified that it was actually the medium rear tyre that limited his performance.
The three-time grand prix winner disclosed that he made more in-race adjustments to his bike than in any other MotoGP race, yet it was still insufficient to contend with the tyre advantage of his Ducati competitors.
“I had one of the most remarkable days in my racing career,” he remarked. “I endeavored to manage everything possible with hard tyres to inhibit them during braking.
Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“We took risks, setting a track record behind Jorge [Martin] and Pecco [Bagnaia], but there comes a point when I can do no more; I must improve.
“While on the bike, I remained focused today, setting a record for changing maps, engine braking, and power adjustments.
“I did everything I could to minimize [the gap] as much as possible, but the fact remains that it is pretty frustrating.
“It wouldn’t be fair to say it outright, but many riders who finished ahead of us today were noticeably slower; however, Ducati has clearly advanced in tyre management.”
