Aleix Espargaro struggles with rear tire issues as Vinales “unable to fight midpack.”
After a promising Saturday, both Aprilia riders struggled to fight at the front.
Shehryar Bin Shahid 14th March 2024
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After a sterling performance in the Sprint race, Aleix Espargaro was looking super confident in the race as the Spanish rider was the only rider in the top group of the Sprint race who was able to save the rear tires for a late push for the podium.
With a strong display in the Sprint race in later laps, the Spaniard was even more confident about his chances in the longer format but come race day, the Aprilia of Aleix Espargaro looked completely toothless compared to the likes of the Ducatis and the KTMs.
Espargaro felt that the issues with his race might have something to do with a troubled rear tyre.
“Already on the warm-up lap to the grid I felt that I had no grip at all. Something went wrong with the rear tyre.
“We have to try to understand what happened with Michelin and the team.
“Obviously with the pace we showed in the last part of the Sprint I was aiming for a completely different race.
“But there was nothing I could do. It was a nightmare for the whole race. I’m a little bit angry because we lost a good opportunity.”
“In any case, I am still leaving Qatar knowing that I have a competitive bike and the championship has only just begun.”
When asked after the Sprints about the areas of improvement for the new RSGP, Espargaro replied: We need more power, especially for the starts and the long straights, to avoid being overtaken.”
But on the other side of the garage, Vinales felt that the situation for him was the opposite as he had no issues with the straight line speed of the Aprilia and felt that he was able to start great.
Instead, he feels that the current issues of the new Aprilia might have something to do with the new balance created due to the enhanced aerodynamics of the new bike.
Maverick Vinales similarly had a lowkey performance at the Qatar Grand Prix as the Spaniard struggled to make ends meet with the new bike.
The ‘Top Gun’ finished in 9th and 10th respectively in the Sprint and Race respectively and felt that it will take time for the Aprilia riders to get used to the new RSGP 24, which contrary to what most believed is much harder on the tires.
“When you are in the pack, it’s very difficult, the tires heat up, then you force a lot, and then you destroy the tires, it’s the same story as always.”
“As I mentioned in the Sepang test, we start from zero with this new bike because it’s very different, and we need data.”
“I’m not happy with the result, because I think our level is much higher, but I’m happy with what I see and what I can bring to the team to improve the bike.”
Contrary to what Espargaro believes, Vinales felt that compared to last year’s bike, the RSGP 24 is a lot better at the starts and accelerates quite well but the braking area remains a point of improvement along with the tire issues that come with increased aerodynamics.
“One part that improved a lot compared to last year was the start. Another important point is that the bike accelerates really well.”
“So now it’s about the way we brake, especially with the downforce, and the difference in the [2024] aerodynamics is pushing the front tyre.”
“So we need to be aware of that and improve, because today the rear tire was fantastic, but the front was completely gone.”
But despite a shaky start to the season, Vinales is confident that he will be able to turn things around for the next round in Portugal.
“I said before this grand prix, Portimao is going to be another story, I’m completely sure. Because it’s a different track, nobody has done a testing lap, different grip also.
“So probably it’s going to be in our favor.”
