At 36, Aleix Espargaró refuses to remain a spectator. Originally from Granollers, a stone's throw from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, he caused a stir by announcing that he will indeed participate in the Catalan Grand Prix... despite a serious lower back injury.
« In truth, it was an important Grand Prix, because Honda brings a lot of new features here: aerodynamics, engine, chassis », He explains. " We tested here three weeks ago and, as I said, the team under Romano Albesiano has made a huge effort to incorporate many new features, and my injury didn't come at the best time. But I wanted to be there at all costs, even if I arrive just in time »
Aleix Espargaró suffers from tear of the L3 and L4 ligamentsThe doctors were skeptical, but he didn't give up: " That's very true. Charter told me it seemed almost impossible, but last week it started to get a lot better. On Monday, I told Alberto I wanted to try. MotoGP is very heavy, but I'll try »
Beyond his return, Aleix plays a key role in the development of the RC213V. He insists on testing and validating new features.
« Three weeks ago we tested a chassis here, and I really insisted that they bring it for the Grand Prix. Even Joan Mir and Luca Marini tried it, and they have improved in the last two races. Honda is working hard. It's great to see Joan and Luca fighting at the front »
Aleix Espargaró: “ Marc Marquez plays a different game, he is also more talented than the other Ducati »
Espargaró remains realistic, however, on motosan : " I've been saying it since the beginning of the season: we should not expect a revolutionThe bike is what it is, the rules are what they are. We have to progress little by little. I hope that once the 2027 bike is on the track, it will be a real rocket and we can fight for victory. »
In the meantime, he wants to see Honda continue to regain confidence: " finish eighth, sixth, fifth, then gradually climb onto the podium. The last two races show this : Joan and Luca They get back to enjoying themselves, they overtake, they fight in front »
Aleix also observe the dynamics of the plateau: "Everything is changing. Yamaha dominated the pole positions a short while ago, and today they are bringing up the rear. KTM was in great difficulty, and Pedro Acosta is now supercharged. Honda was suffering, and now we are in front. The gap with Ducati has reduced... but Marc plays a different game. Marc is also more talented than the other Ducati, but overall, we have the impression of being closer »
Aleix Espargaró embodies absolute dedication to the project HondaDespite the pain, he brings his experience to help develop the bike and support his teammates. His courageous return symbolizes the determination of the entire HRC team to climb back up, step by step. See you on Friday to see if his body can withstand the shock...
