That statement was made before the weekend began and was co𝄹nfirmed after the Spaniard topped this morni♛ng’s FP1.

Espargaro was 🅘the only rider to break into the 1m 39s barrier as he♛ led the way ahead of teammate Maverick Vinales.

• Concern as Marc Marquez checks prev𓃲iously-injured thumb a🙈fter 17th crash 
• Aleix Espargaro fastest a♍s Honda woes continue with Marc Marquez fall

Espargaro was the favourite to win last s🍷eas🔥on’s Catalan grand prix before Fabio Quartararo showed the type of speed he, and no other rider could live with.

But with the French🌠 rider going through a difficult period due to Yamaha’s lack of competi📖tiveness, Espargaro and Aprilia could be the combination to beat especially as Ducati and Francesco Bagnaia have struggled in Barcelona previously. 

For that to happen though, Espargaro will need to avoid a significant mistak🔥e like the one he made last season when he pulled up with one ♋lap to go thinking he had claimed second place. 

Speaking aﷺbout the incident, Espargaro added: "It’s not about revenge, I did a big mistake last year. As a human I make mistakes, a big one here! 

"I led all the sessions befor❀e the race. And the ‘23 Aprilia is better than last year’s▨. I will remember! The marshalls must be careful because, when I see the chequered flag, I will keep pushing! 

"I can make many mistakes, but this one? I will not repeat. I love this layout because it’s about fast corners💯. 

"In Austria it’s the opposite, stop and go, and I’m not competitive like this. This is a good꧃ place for us to shine."