Aleix Espargaró is set to make a thrilling return to the MotoGP grid during the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, just five months after hanging up his helmet as a full-time rider. The 35-year-old Spaniard, who previously raced for Aprilia Racing, has joined Honda HRC as a test rider, and now he’s ready to take on the challenge of racing once again with a wildcard entry.
Espargaró, who concluded his last season with Aprilia in 11th place in the championship standings, decided to step back from the intense pace of MotoGP after thirteen grueling seasons. However, he didn’t stray far from the sport, opting to stay close to the action as a test rider for Honda, where he has been working diligently alongside technical director Romano Albesiano to help develop the RC213V.
“After a busy winter working with the Honda HRC test team, Aleix Espargaró will make his race debut on the Honda RC213V during the Spanish Grand Prix,” Honda announced via social media. Espargaró will join fellow Honda riders Joan Mir, Luca Marini, Johann Zarco, and Somkiat Chantra on the Circuito de Jerez - Ángel Nieto, bringing the total number of Hondas on the grid to five.
Honda has shown significant improvements this season compared to the last, where they struggled to secure top finishes. In fact, last year, Honda only managed two top-ten finishes, but this year, they have achieved top-ten results in every Grand Prix so far. Johann Zarco’s fourth-place finish in Qatar marked Honda’s best result since Marc Márquez last stood on the podium at the GP of Japan in 2023.
The addition of Espargaró to the lineup in Jerez is seen as a valuable boost for Honda, as they continue to work on the development and improvements necessary to return to the front of the pack. The team is hopeful that Espargaró's past experience and recent testing will help them regain their competitive edge.
Espargaró’s journey back to racing comes after he experienced a successful stint as a test rider. He shared the RC213V during recent tests in Valencia with fellow HRC test rider Stefan Bradl. This two-day test on April 15 and 16 was crucial for both riders as they prepared for the upcoming race weekend.
In his previous racing career, Espargaró has never finished better than fifth place in Spain. However, with the improvements seen in the Honda machinery and his determination, he aims to achieve a standout performance on home soil. “It’s a valuable boost while we continue to work on developments and improvements to get back to the front,” Espargaró expressed, highlighting his commitment to the team’s goals.
The Spanish Grand Prix is set to take place from April 25 to 27, 2025, and promises to be an exciting event as fans eagerly await Espargaró’s return to the track. The anticipation is palpable, and many are curious to see how the former full-time rider will fare against the current grid of talented racers.
As the MotoGP season progresses, the stakes are high for Honda and Espargaró. The team is looking to leverage every opportunity to improve their standings and reclaim their former glory in the sport. With Espargaró’s wildcard entry, the Spanish Grand Prix could be a pivotal moment for both the rider and the team.
In conclusion, Aleix Espargaró’s return to the MotoGP grid is a story of resilience and determination. After stepping back from the intense racing schedule, he is now poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming Grand Prix of Spain. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely as he takes to the track, eager to see if he can harness his experience and the power of the Honda RC213V to achieve a remarkable comeback.
