Honda has signed Aleix Espargaro as a check rider for the 2025 MotoGP season to help with the event of the beleaguered RC213V.
As revealed by Autosport last month, Espargaro will change to the Japanese producer in a check function on the finish of his glittering racing profession that has seen him rating three wins and 11 podiums within the premier class to this point.
Espargaro’s signing marks the growth of Honda’s check crew, with 2011 Moto2 champion Stefan Bradl persevering with in his current function subsequent 12 months.
“Honda Racing Company will bolster their testing program with the addition of Aleix Espargaro as a Check Rider in 2025,” HRC introduced in a brief assertion.
“With near 250 premier class begins, the 34-year-old brings with him a wealth of expertise on Grand Prix equipment in addition to the pedigree of three victories and over 1,300 MotoGP factors. He’ll be part of HRC stalwart Stefan Bradl in persevering with the event of the Honda RC213V.”
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Crew
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Espargaro’s arrival is seen as an enormous enhance for Honda, which goes by a protracted decline and is struggling to recuperate from its worst-ever part in motorcycling racing.
The Tokyo-based marque, having misplaced eight-time world champion Marc Marquez within the fall, was anticipated to bounce again in MotoGP this 12 months due to the introduction of a brand new concession system and a change of philosophy inside the model.
However regardless of making severe efforts to overtake the RC213V, it’s but to realize a single prime 10 end in a grand prix this season and sits on the backside of the producers’ desk.
Honda will probably be hoping to faucet into the expertise of Espargaro, who’s extensively hailed for remodeling Aprilia from a perennial backmarker right into a a number of race-winner.
The Spaniard’s insights and data performed a vital function in Aprilia’s ascent close to the entrance of the pack, because the Noale-based model slowly labored on addressing the weaknesses of the RS-GP.
He introduced his resolution to go away Aprilia and retire from MotoGP on the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this 12 months, whereas leaving the door open to take up a unique function with a producer.
It stays unclear if the 34-year-old will get to make any wildcard appearances in 2025 as a part of his testing duties.
Espargaro and Bradl will play a supporting function for race riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini, with Honda anticipated to proceed in MotoGP with the identical line-up subsequent 12 months. Marini already has a contract for 2025, whereas Autosport revealed final month that Mir has agreed a two-year contract through to the 2026 season.