We spend a few minutes in the pits with the NGM Forward Racing MotoGP team riders Alex de Angelis and Aleix Espargaro.
An exclusive chat session with NGM Forward Racing MotoGP riders Alex de Angelis and Aleix Espargaro regarding this weekend’s race in Sepang, Malaysia.
Both de Angelis and Espargaro are astride the team’s Yamaha-powered Open class race machine. Here’s what we managed to speak about with both riders with regards to the weekend and the season so far.
Alex de Angelis (#15)
What are you looking forward to in Sepang this weekend?
“It will be very difficult to get the same results how we got in Phillip Island, but for sure we want to try and stay in the points position, this is our target. Actually, two year ago I won here in Malaysia. This is the kind of track that I like so much. We will do our best. It is also nice to have Espargaro in the team with me, he is really really fast. I hope to have another good result.”
What are your favourite parts of the Sepang International Circuit?
“I love the first fast corner, which is Turn 3, as well as the fast chicanes at Turns 5 and 6. I like all the fast parts here.”
What would be your biggest worry to race in Sepang this weekend?
“Of course, the weather here is really really hot. And, when it is raining, it is raining really really a lot! Everything kind of makes you struggle with the bike, but of course, it is for everyone also. So you must find a way to be faster than the other.”
What are your plans for next season?
“A the moment, I really have no idea yet. There are still two bikes free here in MotoGP. These are the two chances for me to stay here. I also talked to some teams in WSBK as well. If someone would call me now, I would be open to listen to anybody.”
Aliex Espargaro (#41)
How do you feel coming into the Sepang this weekend?
“I feel great because Sepang is a track that I like a lot, one of my favourite tracks on the calendar, it’s a really fast track like Australia and Barcelona. I like a lot of fast tracks. Also, in the last winter test, we were really quick and finished second in the test. I really hope we can battle again for the podium.”
This year, you have your brother Pol racing in MotoGP as a rookie. Have you given him much help or pointers?
“In the beginning, yeah. He did ask me about carbon brakes, the power, and the electronics. But after the first test, he became very fast and he have no problems at adapting into MotoGP. He’s very talented. Now, we’re battling for sixth place in the championship standing, and I cannot give so much more advise anymore because he’s quick.”
Who’s faster? You or Pol?
“This year, I am faster so far, but only by one point. But we will see what happens in Valencia. The last race, he was really really quick, he was difficult to beat, and it is not going to be easy to finish in front of him!”
What are you looking forward to in Sepang this weekend?
“I just want to try to repeat the same thing we had in Australia, try be in the top five again. I want to try and battle for the podium in the race and no other rider hit me so I can finish hopefully.”
