Things are changing at Aprilia and Aleix Espargaró is changing following these events inside but also outside his box. The rise of the RS-GP, the arrival of a Maverick Viñales for which he worked, but also the events of this year marked by three deaths of very young drivers have pushed the spearhead of a house in Noale that he loves. But he will soon leave...
Aleix Espargaró approaches this Grand Prix Austin in a configuration that he knows well since he was with Aprilia. Be alone. Because this time, the new recruit Maverick Vinales will not be at his side as in Aragon and Misano: “ Maverick told me he felt very alone here. I told him I would stay with him in the room, but he said no, that he couldn't get the family out of his head, that he preferred to leave » tells Aleix about the loss of his compatriot, bruised by the tragic disappearance of his 15-year-old cousin during a SuperSport300 race in Jerez last weekend.
Aleix continues on this situation: “ It's a credit to Maverick for traveling to the US and trying to be with the team this weekend, but it was too difficult for him and we have to respect his decision. Aprilia is a very big company, with many interests and a lot of money at stake, and the fact that they were so sensitive to this situation makes me very proud to be a part of it ».
Certainly, but between this tragedy and the services already rendered, Aleix Espargaró entered into a reflection of his life after the MotoGP. And he already has a goal: neither of his two sons will become a pilot: “ I will stop it one hundred percent » he said. Because the competition has dangerously evolved: “ these bikes are all the same. Even Pedro Acosta, who is a brutal talent, is not capable of making a difference. The problem is not what happened, but the dynamics we are going through. That's what worries me ».
Aleix Espargaro: “until I retire, Maverick Viñales will not beat me”
It would therefore be time to move on to something else, and the idea is in the spirit ofAleix Espargaró : " now I'm having a lot of fun with the bike and next year will definitely be great. It wouldn't be a problem to leave. I want to do other things, like be with my family ". The message has gotten through, but there is also this one: “ I brought Maverick Viñales to Aprilia with love and selflessness, but he will have a hard time beating me. I think until I retire he won't beat me. But he's a great driver, with enormous talent ».
« When I retire, I'm sure thatAprilia will be in good hands with him and that is very important to me. Aprilia has relied on me a lot over the last five or six years, but I won't be racing for many more years ». Aleix Espargaro concludes: “ if it were to end I would leave with my head held high ».
