Aleix Espargaró is set to become an official test rider for Honda in MotoGP in 2025 after retiring from racing at the end of this season, according to Motorsport.com. The Catalan veteran announced his imminent retirement before the Catalan Grand Prix, ending a 20-year career in the MotoGP paddock, marked by three premier class victories with Aprilia. Espargaró had previously discussed the possibility of becoming a test pilot, given his immense experience.
Although he had great success with Aprilia, Espargaró made it clear that he would not continue with the Italian brand after 2024. Motorsport reports that Honda is set to secure his services as test pilot for 2025, a major challenge for the Spaniard given recent HRC difficulties. It is still unclear what this will mean for the current Honda tester, Stefan bradl.
I will espargaro joined Aprilia in 2017 after two years at Suzuki, and he was a key element in the development of the RS-GP, transforming the worst bike on the grid into a machine capable of competing with the mighty Ducati. A feat that he visibly hopes to repeat at Honda. He also helped develop Suzuki's GSX-RR, making it competitive.
Aleix Espargaró's experience would be useful to Honda
HRC is currently going through a difficult time, having only achieved one victory last year with Alex Rins in Austin and finishing last in the constructors' standings for two years.
Honda, in difficulty with a lack of victories, sees in I will espargaro an asset to reverse the trend. This year, Joan mir is the leader of Honda with only 13 points, while his teammate Luca marini hasn't scored yet. I will espargaro, with its experience and know-how, could well be the key to the rebirth of Honda en MotoGP.
