Honda’s 2024 season has been dismal, but securing Aleix Espargaro as their new MotoGP test rider is a major positive development.
Announced on Tuesday, this move comes after the redesigned RC213V, despite initial promise, faltered in actual races. Honda’s riders found themselves mainly competing among themselves in what was initially mocked as the “Japanese cup” and now the “Honda cup” as Yamaha’s situation has improved comparatively.
Espargaro, known for his development work with Suzuki and Aprilia, became a highly sought-after test rider upon announcing his retirement from full-time racing at the end of 2024. Espargaro had hinted at leaving Aprilia since May, emphasizing the increasing importance of test rider roles in MotoGP.
He cited Ducati’s Michele Pirro and KTM’s test team as benchmarks. Espargaro’s arrival at Honda could also help retain their current riders, including 2020 world champion Joan Mir, who recently expressed a more positive outlook about his future with the team.
