Aleix Espargaro: “Aim is to repeat 2023 result” | Vinales: “I've always felt competitive at Silverstone”

After missing the Dutch Grand Prix and Sachsenring weekend due to a hand fracture, Aleix Espargaro kicks off his final half-season as a MotoGP rider aiming to 'repeat' his stunning Silverstone victory of a year ago.

Espargaro took arguably the best win of his career after rising from sixth on the grid to overtake reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia for victory on the final lap of last year’s British Grand Prix.

Silverstone was already a fond venue for Espargaro and Aprilia, after the RS-GP’s first podium at the circuit in 2021. Now he returns for what is likely to be his final race appearance at the legendary track.

“It's a track I really like, not only because of last year's victory, but also because it was one of the most historic moments since I joined Aprilia, with our first podium in 2021,” Espargaro said.

“Silverstone suits the RS-GP very well, and suits me too, the aim is to repeat the 2023 result.

“Last year, the Aprilias were always at the front. We hope to do well again this year; the team in Noale has worked over the summer break to improve the bike.”

Team-mate Maverick Viñales also has a strong Silverstone record, including his first MotoGP victory, as a Suzuki rider, in 2016.

Vinales also has two Aprilia podiums, with third in last year's sprint race and second in the 2022 Grand Prix.

“I've always felt competitive at Silverstone, it's always exciting to race here, on a track full of history,” Vinales said. “I'm full of energy after the summer break, I've been training, and I'm ready to tackle the second half of the season.”

Vinales also welcomed the promotion of Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez to a 2024 spec bike from this weekend.

“We'll try to exploit the full potential of the bikes. Raúl will be riding the RS-GP24 for the first time. It will be great to have four 2024 bikes on the track and very useful to gather as much data as possible,” Vinales said.