The end of the MotoGP season will mark a turning point in the career of Aleix Espargaró, who has decided to leave competition. After many years spent defending the colors of Aprilia and putting the RS-GP at the forefront, the Spaniard will now pass the baton to new drivers while continuing to provide his expertise but elsewhere. From next year, he will in fact join Honda as a test driver, working under the direction of current Aprilia engineer Romano Albesiano, recently recruited by the Japanese manufacturer.
A considered decision, influenced by a profound change in the perception of risk. Indeed,
his brother Pol’s accident during the Portimao tests last year, with its eight fractures and serious nerve damageleft a lasting imprint on him. Aleix remembers this difficult moment with emotion: “
the worst thing i have ever seen in my life. » This trauma played a determining role in his decision. It was after the Jerez Sprint race that he really made his decision, immediately calling his wife to tell her: “ it’s over, I’m retiring. » A decision that he fully accepts: “
I have never regretted it, I think I made the right choice. »
Aleix Espargaró can be proud of his career at
Aprilia. His contribution was essential in transforming the RS-GP, a bike once relegated to the last places, into a true MotoGP competitor, capable of aiming for victory.
Aleix Espargaró: «
I received the first offer from Lin Jarvis »
He will leave it to Jorge Martin et
Marco Bezzecchibut with a lucid look at the evolution of sport: “ races are much more tactical and complicated to manage than before. During the whole weekend, we only do three laps at a thousand percent, everything else is very managerial. »
Aleix also revealed some interesting details regarding the offers he received after his decision to leave Aprilia. Yamaha made him an offer to continue development of the M1, an opportunity he seriously considered. However, it is ultimately
Honda who was able to convince him. On Corsedimoto we read: “ I received the first offer from Lin Jarvis. When Alberto Puig heard about my decision, he immediately asked me what I needed to continue. » This proposal, which materialized through a quick call, sealed his future role at
Honda.
So, although his role as a racing driver ends,
Aleix Espargaró remains in the paddock, ready to continue influencing the development of tomorrow’s motorcycles. For him, it is the start of a new era, marked by his expertise and his desire to contribute differently to MotoGP.
