The French GP is seeing a number of announcements being made for the coming seasons, and one of the less surprising pieces in the silly season puzzle is finally in place, as Aleix Espargaró has renewed his contract with Aprilia Racing.
As such, Espargaró will ride with the factory Aprilia team through the 2020 MotoGP Championship season, as the Spaniard has shown himself not only capable of helping to develop the Aprilia RS-GP race bike, but also as a strong competitor on the machine.
Of course, the big question is who will be Espargaró’s teammate for the next season or two? As it seems increasingly likely that Scott Redding will not be returning to the Italian squad, after a number of poor results on the Aprilia.
“I am very happy to stay with Aprilia for another two years. For the first time in my career, I am able to have stability and this is important to improve and grow together,” said Espargaró.
“I have a sole objective, an obsession and that is to take the RS-GP to the podium. I wish to thank Aprilia and my entire team. We will continue working at 100% through 2020.”
No stranger at making slow bikes go fast, Espargaró has consistently punched above his weight class in the MotoGP Championship. That, coupled to a strong work ethic and friendly personality, have endeared Espargaró to Aprilia.
“This renewal is first and foremost acknowledgement of Aleix’s qualities. He is a fast rider and an exemplary professional. From the time he arrived, he has brought passion and motivation to the garage with a positive effect on the entire team,” said Aprilia Racing Manager Romano Albesiano.
“His contribution to the growth of the RS-GP is undeniable and I am certain that the next two years will allow us to achieve important results and above all that they will bring us back to involving, thrilling and inspiring young people and the many fans that Aprilia has all over the world.”
“The signs are there, so giving the technical project continuity with a rider who knows the team and bike well lets us plan development in the best possible way with an eye to the future.”
Source: Aprilia Racing
