Aleix Espargaro Joins Honda as MotoGP Test Rider for 2025: A Strategic Move for HRC to Explore New Possibilities

Puig: Aleix Espargaro Offers Insight into Various Options

Alberto Puig: 'We believe his experience with another brand could provide us with insights into various options.'

Speculation has been swirling since he declared his retirement in Catalunya, but now it's official: Aleix Espargaro will join Honda as a MotoGP test rider in 2025.

Espargaro is set to team up with current HRC test rider Stefan Bradl. Since making his first appearance in MotoGP in 2009, he has competed on motorcycles from Ducati, ART, Forward Yamaha, Suzuki, and Aprilia.

Espargaro, who emerged on the scene later than some of his peers, celebrated his initial top-three finish in 2014. It would be seven years before he tasted success again. The Spanish rider then marked a significant milestone by securing Aprilia's maiden win in MotoGP in the subsequent year, and to date, has clinched three victories while riding the RS-GP.

"Alberto Puig, HRC team manager, mentioned to MotoGP.com that upon Aleix's decision to retire, they recognized his continued speed and experience as significant factors, considering him for the role of a test rider."

"He has competed for numerous brands and, given his age, possesses significant experience and knowledge of a MotoGP motorcycle."

"He's undoubtedly quick and in great shape. Therefore, we believe he has the potential to enlighten us on various options, originating from a different producer.

"However, it's equally accurate to say that in the current era, given the extensive testing programs in place, relying solely on a single test rider like Stefan can often result in an overwhelming amount of work for just one individual."

"We saw his retirement as an opportune moment to bring him on board. Aleix has been a familiar face for us for quite some time. I'm confident he'll be a great team player, and I believe he's quite pleased to be joining our ranks."

Espargaro hinted at participating in a minimum of one race as a wild-card entrant next season, yet Puig mentioned, "It's too soon to confirm, however, it might happen."

The updated concessions framework launched this year grants Honda and Yamaha additional testing chances and wild-card entries until they move up from the bottom D tier.

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