MotoGP fans worldwide received bittersweet news at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, where Aleix Espargaro announced his retirement from Grand Prix racing at the end of the 2024 season. The Aprilia Racing rider, who has been a cornerstone of the sport for nearly two decades, will leave behind a legacy marked by perseverance, talent, and historic achievements, including Aprilia’s first-ever premier class win.
Espargaro’s career took off when he won the FIM CEV in 2004. He began competing in the 125cc World Championship in the same year. Over the years, he transitioned through the 125cc and 250cc classes, establishing himself as a consistent top-ten finisher. He made his MotoGP debut in 2009 as a replacement rider for Pramac and secured a full-time move to the premier class in 2010. Espargaro achieved his first premier class podium in 2014 and joined Team Suzuki Ecstar for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
In 2017, Espargaro joined Aprilia Racing and helped the team progress each season. In 2021, they celebrated their first podium at the British Grand Prix. The following year, Espargaro won the Argentinean Grand Prix, securing his and Aprilia’s first premier-class win. He followed this up with more podium finishes, establishing them as strong contenders in the championship.
In 2023, Espargaro achieved continued success with a podium at Assen, a victory at Silverstone, and a win in Barcelona, resulting in a historic 1-2 finish for Aprilia alongside teammate Maverick Viñales. He is anticipated to have the third most starts of any rider in MotoGP history, trailing only MotoGP Legend Loris Capirossi by the end of his career.
“There are many riders in the world, and in this space today, who won more than me, but I gave everything I had and worked very, very hard. Many times I felt maybe I didn’t have the talent of others riders but by working hard I reached quite a high level. And once again with Aprilia seeing all these memories of the last two or three seasons, it’s amazing. I was dreaming, and that’s one of the reasons I decided to stop. It’s enough, I already had so much fun and I want to retire from being a full-time rider with a good feeling. It’s not been an easy week, I felt sometimes I was jumping into a strange space, but I’m really happy.” – Aleix Espargaro.
Espargaro’s retirement marks the end of an era. His career, highlighted by three MotoGP wins and numerous podiums, leaves an indelible mark on the sport and spirit of racing.
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