In 2019, Aleix Espargaró seriously considered quitting MotoGP, following the lack of performance of his Aprilia RS-GP.
Aleix Espargaró : “You know, it's hard to go to races thinking you're going to have to fight to be in the top 15 and no more. In every race you give your best and you feel that you are driving well, you are working at your maximum level and it is impossible to finish in the top 10. I am not talking about winning races but at least finishing in the top 10 or in the top 6 like we are doing this year. So it was very frustrating and every time I went home I couldn't switch off: I was angry and I didn't enjoy life. Yes, I love MotoGP and it's been my passion since I was born, but I think life is too short not to be happy and not enjoy what you do. I think I can do a lot of other things besides riding a MotoGP, so yes, I've thought about maybe changing my life. Then, with the arrival of Massimo (Rivola) things started to change a little at Aprilia. His job was to change things and he convinced me and the project started to progress a little. I think I made the right decision thanks to him, are happening. The team and the project are making enormous progress, we are working really hard and the results are there: the new bike is much more competitive. OK, we're not fighting for victory but we're closer than ever. When you go to the races and you know you can fight for the top 6, the mentality and approach is a completely different story. Now I enjoy life and hope we can take this project to the next level we deserve. »
Today, despite a resurgent problem in the forearm during the weekend at Mugello, the man who was born a few hundred meters from the Catalunya – Barcelona circuit comes to his home Grand Prix in a completely different state of mind,
Aleix I will espargaro : “My home circuit is always a special event. This is where my passion for motorcycling was born. On top of that, I think it's an extremely fascinating circuit and I'm looking forward to tackling it with the 2021 RS-GP. I had some concerns about my arm after what happened on Friday and Saturday at Mugello , but then, in the race, I had no problems, so that's comforting. We're consistently in the top group, so hopefully we'll be able to take another step forward here. »
This year, his worst results excluding retirement is a 10th place in Qatar, his best a 6th in Portugal. Classified at Mugello, he is in 7th position in the championship, leading the peloton behind the breakaway leader and the second group.
