“I hope Aleix’s experience will be worth it to cope with the pressure”

Àlex Crivillé, Woonkly ambassador and the only Spanish 500cc world champion, analyzes like every weekend the news of the Japanese Grand Prix, the sixteenth round of the season that opens the transoceanic journey and takes place this weekend at Mobility Motegi Resort

The transoceanic journey and the transcendental part of the season will begin on circuits where the drivers have not raced since 2019. Do you think they will notice the lack of running on these tracks?

The final stretch of the championship, the final sprint, is approaching and there are circuits that have not been run for years, since 2019. There are difficult tracks like Motegi, where heavy braking dominates. Then Buriram, where high temperatures are characteristic, and Phillip Island, where it is always cold and windy. In other words, a tight end to the season with difficult circuits.

Things get complicated for Fabio Quartararo after a crash at MotorLand Aragón. Now he only has a 10 point lead over Pecco Bagnaia and 17 over Aleix Espargaró. Do you think the pressure at a circuit where he finished second in 2019 might affect him?

Fabio Quartararo’s crash at MotorLand can be blamed on a bit of bad luck. He knows very well that he has the speed and can fight the Aprilias to be worthy of the podium. He caught Marc Márquez in an action where the Spaniard’s motorcycle skidded and he, who was very close, got caught and fell. The fight for the MotoGP world championship title is on and the championship is alive. I think Fabio Quartararo still has many options to become champion.

Pecco Bagnaia is fully involved in the fight for the MotoGP title after the crash of Fabio Quartararo and his second position at MotorLand after being overtaken on the last lap by Enea Bastianini. When do you think the Ducati team orders will arrive?

So far, both Paolo Ciabatti and Davide Tardozzi have confirmed that there are no team orders and that each Ducati rider will defend their colors. Ducati obviously have a definite advantage as they are the fastest bike and the one with the best traction. With these five races left until the end of the season they will fight for the title and try to chase down Fabio Quartararo. The team orders are likely to be in Sepang or Valencia so they don’t mess up and everything is balanced to reach the title.

Of the three candidates for the title, Aleix Espargaró has the fewest losses. Do you think this situation will help him run without pressure?

Aleix Espargaró has cut points from Fabio Quartararo and is now closer than ever. It’s not going to be easy because the Ducatis are going well and they have it all going for them. Furthermore, it is not just a Ducati, but rather Pecco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini. These two pilots will add points. Aleix Espargaró will give everything and the Aprilia is working well. Hopefully his experience will be worth it to try to handle the pressure and have good races to fight for the title.

What is your prediction for the MotoGP podium of the Japanese Grand Prix?

Motegi is a complex circuit and where braking dominates. This is one of the few circuits where they put the highest power kit for braking. I think Ducati will continue to be the favourite. I would put Enea Bastianini, Fabio Quartararo and Pecco Bagnaia on the podium.

Augusto Fernández arrived at Motegi with a seven-point lead over Ai Ogura. Do you think the Japanese will be able to complicate things for him in his home race?

Augusto Fernández is strong and focused thinking about the title. Now Pedro Acosta, his teammate, who was very good, came out as his rival. It is also true that Ai Ogura is racing at home in Japan and will give it his all. I think the race will be decided between the three of them and, in this case, Augusto Fernández will have to dose up a bit and take advantage of the small advantage he has over Ai Ogura.

Izan Guevara has reached the table and now leads the Moto3 general classification with a 33-point advantage over Sergio García Dols, his teammate, and 58 over Dennis Foggia. Do you think his rivals’ confidence has started to drop?

Izan Guevara showed a very solid and safe driving. From start to finish, he had an impeccable career. He is always on top and never makes mistakes. The Spaniard has taken a step forward compared to the other riders and, if nothing happens, he can take the title of Moto3 world champion. It is true that Sergio García Dols still has options and he will fight, A priori and from what we have seen so far, Izan Guevara has the best. It has a unique and highly effective style that suggests the title may be tilted in its favor.