Aleix Espargaró had an emotional weekend in Barcelona, where he will compete in his last race as a starting rider in MotoGP this Sunday. The Spaniard notably helped his friend Jorge Martin in his quest for the world title during qualifying, before performing a lap of honor on his first Grand Prix machine, a Honda 125cc at the end of the Sprint.
The MotoGP Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona was marked by emotional moments for Aleix Espargarówho helped his friend
Jorge Martin in his quest for the 2024 title. While Martin fights to win the championship, Espargaro put aside his own ambitions to assist his teammate in his
qualification. The pilot ofAprilia
qualified in second position, just behind the
Ducati of Francesco Bagnaiawhile helping Martin to place themselves in fourth position on the grid.
« I talk more with Jorge than with my wife. So, you guess we talk a lot“, explained Espargaro.
« I'm not really happy about helping him because I'd like him to be the fastest and most dominant. But
it's beautiful for mebecause I followed him in qualifying for the last three seasons, so at least for one last time I feel very good about
be able to help him a little to obtain this title. »
Aleix Espargaró: « it's very difficult to deal with, but I feel very lucky for what I experienced »
Although the end of the season was emotional for him,
Espargaro also found time to celebrate his Grand Prix past in a special way. After finishing fourth in the Sprint
Racehe took a cool-down ride on a 125cc Honda that he had raced with early in his career.
He revealed that this surprise, organized by his wife Lauratouched him deeply.
« I never imagined such a surprise. I can't imagine a better way to end my career than to take a ride with the first bike of the world championship and with my current bike“, he commented. “ I think it was a brilliant idea. »
The Grand Prix of Barcelona will mark the last race ofEspargaro as a full-time pilot, and he is beginning to realize the magnitude of this moment. “ It's a very emotional weekend“, he added. “ Yesterday I was in the garage with my team,
I saw videos, I cried a lot. It's very difficult to deal with, but I feel very lucky for what I experienced. » Although he has no plans to fully retire, it is clear that an important chapter in his career is closing, with strong emotion and immense gratitude for his career at Aprilia.
Starting grid:
MotoGP Barcelona Sprint: standings
Championship:
- Jorge Martín becomes champion yes
- He finishes ninth or better, in the event that Bagnaia wins;
-
- He finishes at least 14th, if Bagnaia is second;
-
- Bagnaia finishes third, regardless of Martín's result.
- Francesco Bagnaia devient champion yes
-
- He wins, and Martín finishes no better than tenth;
- He finished second, and Martín finished no better than 15th.
