Espargaro: “Dream” MotoGP win “changes nothing” in my life
Aleix Espargaro says his “dream” maiden MotoGP win with Aprilia in the Argentina Grand Prix “changes nothing” in his life as he already “has everything” he wants.
The 32-year-old overhauled and then fended off Pramac Ducati’s Jorge Martin in Sunday’s race at Termas de Rio Hondo to claim an historic first win for Aprilia and himself.
Espargaro started his 200th MotoGP race on Sunday and his 284th grand prix in total and was the only rider on the grid without a GP victory at any level.
Now the 118th premier class race winner in history, Espargaro says his first win is more important for Aprilia than it is to him – but feels he “deserves” this victory.
“For me, obviously I’m extremely happy to win the race, but nothing changes,” Espargaro, who now leads the championship, said.
“I’m a very lucky person. My job is my passion, I have a dream family, I have everything a man can dream of.
“So, a victory doesn’t change anything in my life.
“But for everybody in Aprilia, it’s a huge step because six years ago when I finished with Suzuki and signed with Aprilia nobody wanted to go there, nobody believed in the project.
“I’m extremely happy because since Qatar – well, even in the pre-season – I felt I had the best machine in my career.
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“Obviously in the pre-season it’s very difficult to judge if this bike will allow you to fight for a top 10, top five or a win.
“But I’ve been very close to the fastest guys in every test, also in Qatar I felt strong.
“So step-by-step we show our potential. It wasn’t a lucky race or a wet race, I think yesterday we proved we are the fastest of the qualifying and today in the race and now we’re leading [the championship].
“So, this is like a dream. I’m extremely happy because I feel that this championship is one of the most difficult championships ever, so I’m extremely happy not just for myself and for everyone at Aprilia.
“I’m 32 but finally I arrive. I think I deserve this.”
Despite Aprilia’s strong start to 2022 in a campaign that has so far three different winners and nine different podium finishers, Espargaro is wary about placing the Italian marque as a title contender.
“It’s gonna be very difficult, but we are in the mix, in the fight for the victory that’s for sure because it was not a lucky race or a wet race, we really deserved this,” he added.
“So, feet on the ground, the championship is very long.
“But yes, if we don’t make any mistakes, we will be in the mix for the victories and the podiums every weekend.
“I’m more focused than ever. I’m in the last part of my career for sure because I’m 32, but I want to finish in the best way possible.”
2022 MotoGP Argentina GP: Full race results
Quartararo “didn’t expect” Yamaha’s early 2022 MotoGP struggles
Isle of Man TT 2023: Dunlop tops all solo classes as practice begins
Isle of Man TT 2023: Dunlop tops all solo classes as practice begins Isle of Man TT 2023: Dunlop tops all solo classes as practice begins
Sainz: Ferrari could've been "more patient" with Monaco F1 race strategy
Sainz: Ferrari could've been "more patient" with Monaco F1 race strategy Sainz: Ferrari could've been "more patient" with Monaco F1 race strategy
The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid
The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid
Kyle Kirkwood reveals 80G impact flipped his car in Indy 500
Kyle Kirkwood reveals 80G impact flipped his car in Indy 500 Kyle Kirkwood reveals 80G impact flipped his car in Indy 500
Kanaan, Castroneves battled over 15th in Indy 500 like it was “for the win”
Kanaan, Castroneves battled over 15th in Indy 500 like it was “for the win” Kanaan, Castroneves battled over 15th in Indy 500 like it was “for the win”
Piastri learned from following Verstappen in wet Monaco GP
Piastri learned from following Verstappen in wet Monaco GP Piastri learned from following Verstappen in wet Monaco GP
Revealed: Three key speed secrets of Newgarden's Indy 500 win
Revealed: Three key speed secrets of Newgarden's Indy 500 win Revealed: Three key speed secrets of Newgarden's Indy 500 win
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP? Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years
How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years How one MotoGP team went from title fights to losing it all in four years
Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?
Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne? Is MotoGP's comeback king ready to reclaim his throne?
How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023
How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023 How MotoGP’s underachiever is working to reverse its fortunes in 2023
How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races
How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races How MotoGP riders are preparing for the physical stress of sprint races
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.