Aleix Espargaro was never keen on joining Aprilia at first, but once he saw how things were going with Suzuki, it felt like the move he had to make.
Following a tough 2024 season, Espargaro decided to hang up his MotoGP leathers and take on a new role as a test rider for Honda.
Looking back, it’s easy to overlook just how well he did during his time with Aprilia, especially after joining them in 2017. Not many riders stay with one team for eight years in this sport.
Despite the challenges of getting used to the bike, that period ended up being the most significant chapter of his career. His long stint with Aprilia stands out as the most impactful spell of his career.
Even so, Espargaro has been open about how he felt early on. When the move was first suggested, he wasn’t eager to take it.
How Espargaro’s ego initially kept him from considering Aprilia
In an interview with Dans le Boite a Gans, Aleix Espargaro admitted he turned down an early offer from Aprilia, saying his ego at the time got in the way of making the move.
Having come off a stint with Suzuki, one of MotoGP’s more prominent teams then, he saw Aprilia as a step back, even though Suzuki had already decided to let him go.
“It’s quite a funny story because I was racing for Suzuki… I felt at that time, I was not winning races, but as a rider, you have a big ego.
“I felt that I was on top of the world. I was a Suzuki rider with a big contract and the best sponsors. Then suddenly, BOOM! Suzuki decides to change the riders.
“Aprilia called me. I remember (thinking), ‘I cannot go to Aprilia. They’re finishing last in the grid!’ So for one or two months, I was saying, ‘No, I don’t care about the offer, Aprilia, I will not come.’
Espargaro admits manager had to push him to accept Aprilia offer
Reflecting on his decision, Espargaro admitted that it took some convincing from his agent to see the opportunity in front of him, especially as his options were limited.
“And after one or two months, my manager said to me, ‘Aleix, I think this is the best offer you have. You have to really think about going to Aprilia.’
“Then I started to talk with them. And I said to myself, ‘Okay, this is the big challenge of your life. You have to prove to everybody that you are not retiring.’
“Because I remember reading many things that said it’s going to be the end of your career, one or two seasons more, and you will be at home. I said, ‘Okay, I will show you what I’m capable of.’”
The move ended up defining Espargaro’s career. He found stability and success with Aprilia over eight seasons before finishing up in 2024.
All three of Espargaro’s Grand Prix wins came with Aprilia, along with 10 out of his 12 career podiums.
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