About a week ago, Aleix Espargaró announced that he would retire at the end of this MotoGP season. Although he has not disclosed any plans for the future, he has admitted that he might become a test rider, and not necessarily with Aprilia. Now, he is being linked to Honda.
The Japanese manufacturer currently has Stefan Bradl as their main test rider. However, the German last competed full-time in 2020 and has not ridden any other bike than the RC213V since 2016. Interestingly, before joining Honda, he was also with Aprilia. Espargaró could join next year, with the potential for occasional wildcard appearances.
During the broadcast of the first free practice session of the Italian GP, MotoGP’s official website commentator, Matt Birt, mentioned potential negotiations for Espargaró to become Honda’s test rider in 2025:
– We believe some negotiations are taking place between Honda for next season. It doesn’t involve a full time race seat, but we’re hearing a lot of rumours that Aleix Espargaró – having announced his retirement in Barcelona last weekend – it does seems like he’s ready for a fresh challenge, some fresh motivation. […]. Aleix Espargaró’s name is being very strongly linked indeed with a move to be the official HRC test rider – which I’m sure will include maybe the chance of wildcards.