Aleix Espargaro took an emotional victory as the Championship returned to Termas de Rio Hondo for the first time since 2019
Round 3 of the 2022 World Championship saw MotoGP™ return to Termas de Rio Hondo for the first Argentinian Grand Prix in three years. The return to Latin America didn’t disappoint either, with a new chapter written into the history books as Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) claimed a maiden victory.
Having had to wait a little longer than expected due to logistical issues which saw Friday’s action postponed, it meant we were set for a super Saturday in Argentina. On a blockbuster day of Free Practice and qualifying, it was Espargaro who was fastest as he took just his third pole position.
The number 41 launched from P1 but lost the holeshot to Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing), who he then chased for the majority of the race. After a couple of failed attempts, Espargaro managed to finally overtake his compatriot with five laps remaining, and it was a lead he didn’t let slip as he took the chequered flag first in his 200th premier class Grand Prix.
Martin came a comfortable second to pick up his first podium and points of the campaign, while Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) made it nine different riders on the rostrum in the opening three races by claiming third. That result, coupled with his teammate Joan Mir’s P4, helped Suzuki to the top of the constructor standings as the paddock bid farewell to Argentina for another season.
Michelin Grand Prix of Argentina: MotoGP™ race highlights
