Marc Sinkewitz
Motorcycle Department
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After a weekend plagued by crashes and injuries in Assen, there are now positive headlines again for MotoGP veteran Aleix Espargaro, who will end his career as a regular rider after the season. As has already been speculated, the 34-year-old will leave Aprilia and join a competitor.
At his home race in Barcelona, the Aprilia star announced that he would no longer continue his career as a regular rider after the 2024 season. Rumors immediately spread as to whether Espargaro would remain in the premier class as a test rider. The role of development rider should suit the Spaniard very well, as he is currently the most experienced MotoGP rider in the field, has ridden several brands and has also led a weak bike to the top of the field with Aprilia.
Official: Aleix Espargaro new HRC test rider alongside Stefan Bradl
Honda was immediately linked with the three-time Grand Prix winner, which turned out to be the case. On Tuesday, the move became official: Espargaro published an Instagram post in which he can be seen with the HRC bosses. “I am very happy to start a new chapter in my career,” wrote Espargaro. “It is a great honour to join HRC as a test rider and team player. I will do my best to help them get back to the top.”
Espargaro has signed a contract for the 2025 season. Further contract details have not been published for the time being. It is not known whether the veteran will, for example, be used as a wildcard. In the European HRC test team, he will now support Stefan Bradl, who has been Honda’s only development driver for years. The German has made guest appearances from time to time, most recently at the Catalonia Grand Prix in June.
© Motorsport Magazine