Espargaro got here to Sepang 27 factors behind championship chief Francesco Bagnaia and wanted to lose not more than three factors to the Ducati rider to maintain his title hopes alive going to Valencia.
However the Aprilia rider endured a troublesome Malaysian GP, taking the chequered flag in 11th and 21.5 seconds off of race winner Bagnaia – although he was promoted one spot to 10th after Franco Morbidelli was given a time penalty for a collision with the Aprilia rider.
Espargaro says he’s “proud” of every thing Aprilia has achieved in an “historic” season for the marque, however concedes the championship was too huge an ask.
“I’m very disenchanted, I’m very unhappy,” Espargaro stated after Sunday’s race.
“I’m very happy with everyone in Aprilia, of myself, of my team-mate, of everybody in Noale.
“What we did this yr is superb, historic, it can final without end.
“However on the identical time, the way in which we ended the season it’s a bit unhappy as a result of if we have been capable of keep our stage [from the first half of the season] within the final 4 races we might have arrived in Valencia with some probabilities.
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Workforce
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“However we actually misplaced it. Seems just like the dream was too huge for us. So, we are going to study it and be prepared for it for the long run.”
Espargaro was at a loss to clarify his tough Sepang race, noting he had traction points all through, whereas branding the final 4 rounds a “nightmare” having scored simply 18 factors from a potential 100.
Requested about what went flawed in Malaysia, Espargaro stated: “I don’t know. We have been very gradual, the bike was very, very gradual immediately within the straight.
“There was no traction in any respect, zero grip from the start. Consider me, I attempted every thing I might, I actually pushed like hell understanding that each level was necessary for the championship.
“However I used to be very gradual. All of the final 4 races have been a nightmare.”
Espargaro now sits third within the standings, one level away from Enea Bastianini and 23 behind Fabio Quartararo in second.
If Espargaro desires to complete runner-up within the 2022 championship, he should win in Valencia and hopes Quartararo finishes 15th or decrease.
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