Double 125cc world champion and veteran team boss Gresini passed away in February after a two-month battle with COVID-19.
MotoGP has carried several tributes to the late Italian since, including a moment of silence ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, while Aprilia – whose factory entrant is run by Gresini Racing – carries its late team boss’ name on its RS-GPs.
Ahead of last Sunday’s race in Portugal, MotoGP joined together with the Formula 1 paddock in Gresini’s hometown of Imola for a minute of silence.
Espargaro finished just 8.8 seconds from the win in Portimao, with his sixth place finish only the sixth time Aprilia has recorded a top-six finish in MotoGP. The result also put him sixth in the championship.
Speaking after the race, Espargaro said the turn of speed Aprilia is showing with its new RS-GP in 2021 is making him “angry” that is happening without Gresini there to share in the celebrations.
“I’m proud about what we are doing, I believe he is watching,” Espargaro said of Gresini.
“But I feel very sorry because it’s my fifth season here and why does it have to be the season that I’m fast like this without him?
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“It’s not fair, I’d really love to see his face after I arrive to the garage after a race like this.
“Fausto believed a lot in my potential. I think one of the team managers that believed more in my talent from a long time ago.
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“So now I’m fighting at the top with his bike and his project but he’s not here, it makes me a little bit angry.
“But anyway, I’m sure what we did for him between MotoGP and Formula 1 is just one more example of how big Fausto was, how important Fausto was.”
Espargaro says he thought he’d be closer to the podium in Portugal, but a lack of grip in the hot temperatures compromised his performance.
Despite the setback, he is convinced “100%” that Aprilia will be on the podium in 2021.
“I think step by step, the season is very long,” he added.
“We’re P6 in the championship, I fight in the podium group in the three races more or less and this gives me a lot of confidence.
“Step by step I will be able to improve my confidence and fight for the podium.
“Sincerely after the warm-up I was quite sure I was able to fight for it, but I had no grip due to the track temperature and I spin a lot.
“Anyway, I’m happy overall with my performance. To go top six in MotoGP with Aprilia is something important, but I think Jerez we can be even closer.
“So, step by step this year we will be on the podium, 100%, we will not wait till next year.”
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