Spanish MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaro is being interviewed by MotoGP TV crew at Losail International Circuit yesterday.
DOHA: Spanish MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaro feels his Forward Yamaha bike would be competitive in the new season that is just two weeks away.
After extensive pre-season testing alongside team-mate Colin Edwards of the US at Sepang in Malaysia, the 24-year-old is bristling with confidence.
“I am in a better place (than three weeks ago). After the Valencia test I felt the bike was good and the tests went really well,” Espargaro said at Losail International Circuit yesterday.
“The testing was really good. I am comfortable. I am feeling really confident. I think we have a competitive package. I feel strong,” he added.
When asked about his goals in the new season, Espargaro said: “Well, for sure (the goal is) to stay in the front. It will be impossible to stay ahead of the (other) bikes but we need to try to be the best. It won’t be easy to finish in top five all weekends.”
Espargaro said he was content with his 11th place finish last year.
“I am really satisfied. I am in a really good team. I have good memories from the past. When you get good results, you want more,” Espargaro said.
The Spaniard, who also has his younger brother riding for Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team, said he was tad edgy ahead of the new season.
“For sure, I am nervous, but I am looking forward to the race. All nerves will disappear when we are about to go for the first race. We will see how our positions are at the end of the first race,” he said.
Espargaro said pre-season testing in Malaysia proved to be a test of character in the hot and sapping conditions.
“It was not easy. We spent a lot of time in Malaysia The days five and six were boring. I didn’t know what to try more. It was really hot,” he said.
Espargaro said he was at ease riding along with 40-year-old Edwards.
“We are really good friends. I have been to his house a couple of times. We were together in the boot camp. He is a really good rider and a really good guy. He has a lot of experience. He can tell me a lot of things,” Espargaro said.
Who will win the 2014 world championship? Espargaro is not sure
“It is not an easy question. For me Honda is really strong bike and (Marc) Marquez is really a strong rider. He is number one in his team,” Espargaro said.
THE PENINSULA
