MotoGP Sepang: Espargaro set to make 300th start ‘one to remember’

Aleix Espargaro prepares for his 300th Grand Prix start this weekend as MotoGP’s penultimate round hits Sepang in Malaysia.

Joining the illustrious ranks of Valentino Rossi, Andrea Dovizioso, Loris Capirossi, Simone Corsi and Tom Luthi, Espargaro has so far racked up 215 premier class starts, 61 intermediate and 23 in the lightweight category since his debut in 2004.

“I’m happy and proud,” Espargaro commented on his achievement. “Because to arrive in the MotoGP World Championship is the dream of every kid who loves bikes, but to be able to stay for such a long career is even more difficult, and 300 Grands Prix is crazy. I saw the stats last week, I saw the five names in front of me, and it’s unbelievable. I’m extremely happy and proud and hopefully I can make it one to remember here in Malaysia.”

His sights still set on the 2022 title fight, albeit now 27 points down on Pecco Bagnaia with 13 to Fabio Quartararo, Espargaro knows the Ducatis will be tough to top after their recent run of form as the championship nears conclusion, but at least with pre-season testing at the Malaysian track under his belt, he has experience to draw on this weekend.

“The goal is to try and stop Pecco,” the Spaniard confirmed. “Try to the best thing possible. Try to finish in front of number 63. Which is going to be difficult because the form he showed in recent races - actually, the second part of the championship - has been amazing, but I will try my best.

“I have the feeling that it’s more lost than won, this title, for me, so I can risk a little bit more, be a little bit more aggressive on race day, and hopefully bring it to Valencia.

“I mean, testing is testing, but in pre-season we were very strong, very fast, and we did a fast lap, but