MotoGP, Espargaró renews with Aprilia: “Doubts after Le Mans, now I’m happy”

Following some recent vitriolic words and some fabulous results, the (two year) marriage between Aleix Espargaró and Aprilia is finally confirmed at Mugello. A renewal that was expected, but one that is nevertheless very important, as it marks the continuation of one of the most fruitful relationships in MotoGP right now, considering that the Spaniard currently lies second in the standings.

“I’m really pleased to have finally renewed. During these six years together, we’ve done a great job”, comments Aleix, “And I feel comfortable on both a human and technical level. I met Romano (Albesiano) in 2015 or 2016, and we’ve always had a great relationship, while Massimo (Rivola) has allowed us to put all of the pieces of the puzzle in place. MotoGP is all about the details, and now we can really work to achieve the ultimate goal.”

Negotiations had been going on for a while, but the Aprilia rider did well to put this out of his mind and focus solely on giving it his all on track.

“I have shown in recent months that the negotiations didn’t bother me, and the parties have always believed in each other. After Le Mans I had a feeling that a change rather than a renewal might be looking more likely, but I know that Aprilia has made a big effort. I’ve always said that my preference was to stay at Aprilia, but I would have happily taken on a new adventure too.”

Italian GP, Aprilia renews with Espargaró and Viñales for another two years

Espargaró: "I’d like to see more Aprilias on track"

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Aleix smiles as a load is taken off his chest, and to think there were those who didn’t believe in Aprilia…

“When I left Suzuki they told me that going to Aprilia would mark the end of my career. Instead we’re demonstrating that the potential was always there. When Maverick (Vinales) left Yamaha they said the same, but now we’re leading the way in the team standings”.

The next issue Aprilia has to broach regards a possible satellite team, something that Espargaró continues to support.

“I’m like the dad of Aprilia, so I’d like to see more bikes on track. It would also help me from a technical standpoint, but if it doesn’t happen then it’s not a problem”.

Lastly, the Spaniard provides some interesting background relating to a scene a couple of days prior, when he and Vinales were guests of Fernando Alonso in Oviedo, and Aprilia pretended to ‘offer a contract’ to the legendary driver.

“Those close to me know that I didn’t really appreciate the joke in the moment, but then I released that it was Aprilia’s way of telling me that we were close to renewing, and two days later the definitive offer arrived. But I wasn’t very happy in that moment (he laughs)”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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