Aleix Espargaro found it difficult to contain his optimism as he spoke in today’s pre-event press conference ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix. The Spaniard will spearhead the returning Suzuki team’s efforts in 2015 and believes they couldn’t have asked for a better pre-season to prepare them for the opening race.
“The right word to describe my feelings is that I’m excited! To start the new season with such a great team is incredible for me. There have been three years of hard work, the whole crew is amazing, the machine is performing well and everything is like a dream to me. I can’t wait to be on the grid waiting for the green light.
“During winter tests we had the chance to discover what’s good and what has to be improved on the bike. I feel confident with the chassis and set-up, and while we lack a little traction, this is the main issue we’re focusing on right now. We will spend the early two sessions of practice to finish the job we were going to do in the rained-off Qatar Test and then we will focus on finding a good pace for the race: especially on Friday, when I will try – if not a real race simulation – then at least a 12-15 lap-long-run.”
As far as this weekend’s race is concerned, Espargaro says he knows where Suzuki will fit in the MotoGP pecking order and expects to be challenging in and around the top ten on Sunday night.
“Fitness-wise I feel pretty good. My knee is getting better and better and my physiotherapy is giving me good results. Our main objective here is not to make any mistakes and to take things step-by-step. We know our potential, but we also know where we need to improve, so the important thing is to do the right things, get well into the points – hopefully within the top-eight – and then look at the season as a whole.”
