Aleix Espargaro sticks with Aprilia for a further two years
Aleix Espargaro will stick with the Aprilia Gresini MotoGP team for the next two years until 2020, the Italian team announced today.
Espargaro joined Aprilia from Suzuki ahead of 2017, with the Spaniard guiding his RS-GP to a best finish of sixth, at both Qatar and Aragon last year.
The relationship between the two parties has looked factitious in recent races, after a string of mechanical-related retirements has limited Espargaro to a single points finish so far this year, with tenth in the US Grand Prix.
Despite this the RS-GP has shown strong pace in the 2014 MotoGP open class champions hands, Espargaro claiming post-Jerez he could have taken Aprilia’s first MotoGP podium since their comeback in 2015 had the bike not broken down early on.
Espargaro said:
I am very happy to stay with Aprilia for another two years
For the first time in my career, I am able to have stability and this is important to improve and grow together.
I have a sole objective, an obsession, and that is to take the RS-GP to the podium.
Aprilia MotoGP boss Romano Albesiano said
This renewal is first and foremost acknowledgement of Aleix’s qualities, he is a fast rider and an exemplary professional.
“From the time he arrived, he has brought passion and motivation to the garage with a positive effect on the entire team.
His contribution to the growth of the RS-GP is undeniable and I am certain that the next two years will allow us to achieve important results.
Scott Redding’s Aprilia future, on the other hand, is looking less certain, with the Italian team known to be evaluating Pramac rider Danilo Petrucci and Suzuki’s Andrea Iannone as Espargaro’s team-mate next year.
Redding has struggled for pace relative to his team-mate in his first four races since joining Aprilia from Pramac Racing this year, with 12th so far being the Brit’s best result.