Luca Marini Applauds Aleix Espargaro’s Move to HRC as Test Rider: A Strategic Shift for Honda’s MotoGP Aspirations

Luca Marini believes the agreement for Aleix to become a test rider for HRC is a promising and strategic decision. He notes, "It's fascinating since Aleix played a role in Aprilia's development and their journey to success."

In 2017, when Aleix Espargaro teamed up with Aprilia, the team was at the last position in the MotoGP constructors' rankings.

At that moment, Honda held supremacy in MotoGP, securing the prestigious triple crown encompassing the riders', teams', and constructors' championships.

However, the landscape of MotoGP has dramatically changed, with Aprilia ascending to second place in the constructors' rankings, while Honda has been stuck at the bottom since 2022.

Honda aims to leverage Espargaro's expertise, gained from advancing Aprilia from its challenging position in 2017 to achieving its first RS-GP podium in 2021, followed by race wins in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as he prepares to join HRC as a test rider upon his upcoming retirement.

"Luca Marini from Repsol Honda believes it will be fascinating since he witnessed Aprilia's development and rise to victory firsthand. He played a central role, so he has a deep understanding of the circumstances. There are many factors, but it's definitely a smart decision by HRC. They made a good choice."

The Italian rider, who is set to bring a wealth of three years of experience from Ducati to Honda in the upcoming season, acknowledges that Espargaro possesses a very unique way of riding. However, he does not see this as a drawback in terms of developing a versatile motorcycle.

"Definitely, having Aleix on board is valuable due to his understanding of Aprilia, but moreover, if the bike proves to be suitable for all, it will undoubtedly be a quick bike," he stated.

"Currently, with Ducati, any rider aboard a Ducati has the potential to secure a race victory or challenge for a podium position. Therefore, the goal is to develop an ideal motorcycle that enables every rider to contend for the leading positions."

The top Honda competitor, Marini's colleague Joan Mir, who currently ranks 18th in the global championship, is convinced that a shift is on the horizon.

"He believes that since the start of this season, there's been a shift in Honda, noting improvements and growth despite the outcomes not changing," he stated.

The atmosphere in the garage is palpable. Everyone is exerting their utmost effort to change their circumstances and make a comeback.

"Our goal is to be closer to the top by the season's end."

Marini secured his initial point for Repsol Honda in the latest German MotoGP, following a penalty for tyre pressure that resulted in Augusto Fernandez being moved down from 14th place.

Espargaro is anticipated to participate in at least one wild-card event for Honda in the upcoming season and will be sharing testing responsibilities with Stefan Bradl.

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