Aleix Espargaró, who dreamed of a dual career after his MotoGP retirement, sees his cycling adventure end as quickly as it began. After just one season with the Lidl-Trek development team, the Catalan rider terminates his contract… on direct orders from Honda.
A difficult, frustrating decision, but one that shows just how much HRC wants a test pilot fully dedicated to the rebirth of its RC213V.
Aleix He made no secret of it: stopping cycling was not a personal choice, but the consequence of a clear — and firm — request from management Honda.
« Alberto puig He knows my passion for cycling, but he asked me to focus more on motorcycling. »
Honda is committed to a complete rebuild of its MotoGP project. And to revive the RC213V, which has been adrift since 2020, Puig considers thatEspargaró must be 100% dedicated to the role of test pilot, without distractions, without a second career, without additional risk of injury.
Aleix He also acknowledges having underestimated the mental and physical burden of a dual commitment: I thought I could be in both worlds, but that wasn't the case. »Reports moto.it.
Even though it was very short, her professional cycling experienceI will espargaro This was no mere anecdote. Far from being a marketing ploy, it was a genuine sporting career change, undertaken with seriousness and results, which led him to 7th place in the 114th UCI World Series Gravel Race. A remarkable performance for a rider coming from a completely different world.
At the Tour of Austria, one of the toughest races on the calendar, Aleix had to abandon after a crash during the 3rd stage — a first warning for Honda et Puig.
At the Circuito de Getxo, another prestigious race in the Iberian Peninsula, he continued to accumulate kilometers like a true pro rider.
These performances demonstrate his physical condition… but also the constant risk associated with professional cycling. A risk that the factory Honda is not ready to accept, especially at a time when the brand is trying to rebuild its status in MotoGP.
Honda wants Aleix Espargaró fully committed to MotoGP 2025–2027
HRC is rebuilding its RC213V around the new technical direction led by Roman Albesianfeedback fromAleix Espargaro, combined efforts of Zarco, Mir et Mariniand a development plan spanning two seasons.
For Honda, the contribution ofAleix has become indispensable. His experience, technical sensitivity, frankness in providing feedback, and ability to identify the weaknesses of a prototype are all valuable.
It is therefore impossible to let him pursue a secondary career that consumes time, energy… and drastically increases the risk of injury.
Espargaró insists, however, that even though he will no longer be able to race professionally, he is not giving up cycling for good. He will continue to train with Lidl-Trek whenever the MotoGP calendar allows.
In other words, the relationship remains excellent. No more official competitions, but still an open door to train with the team, and an intact sporting friendship.
Honda takes back control, I will espargaro closes a parenthesis and returns to its key role. This is not an ideal ending for Aleix Espargarowho saw cycling as a possible new career after MotoGP. But it's a logical decision in the current context.
Honda needs a full-time test rider, the RC213V remains one of the most complex projects in the paddock, and Espargaró has become a key part of this turnaround.
He therefore turns the page on Lidl-Trek, reluctantly but without bitterness, convinced that he can help Honda to once again become an indispensable force.
