– The title fight in MotoGP is still completely open before the start of the second half of the season this weekend in Silverstone. While Jorge Martin continues to lead the world championship, Marc Marquez has significantly reduced the gap in recent races and brought himself back into striking distance.
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For Aleix Espargaro, it is therefore clear who has the best chances for the title. “For me, Marc Marquez is still Jorge Martin’s biggest rival in the fight for the world championship,” he says in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Libertad Digital.
As a third serious contender for the world championship, the Spaniard names Ai Ogura. The Trackhouse rider has developed into a fixed figure at the top in his second MotoGP season, celebrated his first win in the premier class in Assen, and also finished on the podium in Brno and at the Sachsenring.
A prominent name is missing from the list
“If I had to add a third name, it would be Ogura. I believe they are the ones who can really fight for the championship,” says Espargaro.
With his assessment, the Spaniard commits to three riders: championship leader Martin, reigning champion Marquez, and the in-form Ogura. The former MotoGP rider does not mention other top riders in connection with the title fight.
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If Bezzecchi wants to become WORLD CHAMPION, THIS must finally stop!
Not even Marco Bezzecchi, who led the overall standings in the early phase of the season for a while but recently slipped to fourth place after four point-less race Sundays.
Espargaro continues to recover from test crash
While Espargaro thus counts Martin, Marquez, and Ogura in the title fight, he focuses on his own return. The 37-year-old broke several vertebrae in April during a private Honda test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia and has been out as an active test rider since then.
His focus is now on completing the final phase of rehab and getting back on a MotoGP bike. “I am recovering from the injury. I am looking forward to having another operation so that the metal parts and plates can be removed and I can get back on the motorcycle as soon as possible.”
Whether and when Espargaro can resume his duties as a Honda test rider on the track remains open. His focus is initially on full recovery. Besides him, Honda can rely on Takaaki Nakagami as a test rider.
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