Espargaro eager to build Aprilia momentum

Aleix Espargaro is eager to build momentum and confidence following a solid tenth place for Aprilia in the Qatar MotoGP season opener with repeat performances in Argentina and Texas.

The Spaniard finished within ten-seconds of victory at Losail and is 'excited' to try the new RS-GP at Termas de Rio Hondo this weekend, a track where he's been competitive in the past.

"The Argentinian track is one that I like and where I have always been rather competitive. I can't wait to get back on the track," he said.

"The important thing for us is to keep finishing in the top ten in the next two races so we can arrive at Jerez with a nice bounty of points and confidence.

"The 2019 RS-GP is very fast in fifth and sixth. I hope to be able to take advantage of this improvement on the long straight at Termas."

New team-mate Andrea Iannone, 14th on his Aprilia debut, is also encouraged by Espargaro's past form in Argentina.

"If I look at the previous years, Aleix has been fast with Aprilia on the Rio Hondo track and I hope we will be this year too," said Iannone, who infamously tangled with Ducati team-mate Andrea Dovizioso at the circuit in 2016.

"In any case, our priority is not the result in the strictest sense, but rather constant improvement of the RS-GP that brings us closer to the championship leaders."

Aprilia, sixth and last in the 2018 constructors' standings, beat the top KTM by two places in Qatar.