Day to forget for Espargaro in Sepang

Difficult race today for the Pramac Racing Team on the Sepang track for the 20th Malaysian Grand Prix. Mika Kallio finished the race in twelfth position, while Aleix Espargarò had to retire in lap 7 after a crash. Both riders had a good start, especially Mika who moved up three positions after the first curve, unfortunately the shoulder pain that has worsened in recent days, has not allowed the Finn to fight all the way to maintain his position. Aleix failed to get a good rhythm from the first lap because his tyres where still too cold. After three laps, however, the grip was greatly improved, allowing the rider to reduce his lap time by almost a second. After passing Barberà and Kallio in the seventh round, while going into a curve, Aleix’s bike lost its grip on the front tyre, slipping away. The broken handlebar after Aleix’ crash didn’t allowe him to take part again in the race. Pity, because the Catalan rider had a better pace then the riders ahead of him. Now it is time to immediately return to work hard for the next race which will be held next Sunday in Australia on the Phillip Island circuit.

Fabiano Sterlacchini – Technical Director
“Too bad for Aleix’s race. He was considerably improving his laptimes when he lost the front of his bike. On the television it looked like he shouldn’t have had any problems, we will investigate the incident to understand what happened. ON Tuesday we’ll return to work hard for the next Australian Grand Prix.”

Aleix Espargarò – Pramac Racing Team – DFN – 14th in the World Championship
“I’m very disappointed and sad about how things went. With a pretty good start I managed not to lose positions. But in the early laps my tires were not on temperature and I could not get a good lap pace. From the third lap the grip significantly increased. My pace was good enough to try to overtake some riders; during the sixth lap I first passed Barberà and then my teammate Mika Kallio. Just after passing him, in a corner change of direction, the bike slipped away. Fortunately it didn’t turn off, but unfortunately the handlebar was broken. Too bad, because with so many crashes and withdrawals in today’s race I could have achieved a position among the top ten. The important thing is now to return to work in the best way to be ready for the Australian Grand Prix next Sunday.