Veteran Rider to Aid in Developing Struggling RC213V with Wealth of Experience
Aleix Espargaro will be a test rider for Honda during the 2025 MotoGP season, contributing to the development of the RC213V motorcycle, the company has announced. Espargaro’s career is about to take a major turn as he moves from racing to a crucial testing role, as first reported by Motorsport.com.
With three victories and eleven podiums in the elite class during his remarkable career, Espargaro will join the Japanese manufacturer following his retirement from competition. With his addition, Honda’s test team now includes 2011 Moto2 champion Stefan Bradl, who will stay on the team for the upcoming season.
“Aleix Espargaro will join Honda Racing Corporation as a Test Rider in 2025, adding excitement to our testing program,” a statement from HRC read. “The 34-year-old brings a wealth of experience on Grand Prix machinery, having started nearly 250 premier classes and earning over 1,300 MotoGP points in addition to three victories. He will work with HRC veteran Stefan Bradl to advance the development of the Honda RC213V.”
With Espargaro joining the team, Honda is hoping that he can bring new life to the squad after a difficult time. Honda has had difficulty regaining its footing in MotoGP following the departure of eight-time world champion Marc Marquez last year. Though the team has made an attempt to improve the RC213V, they are currently bottom in the manufacturers’ standings and have not managed to finish in the top 10.
Many people believe that Espargaro was the one who turned Aprilia from a reliable backmarker into a competitive race winner. His knowledge played a crucial role in Aprilia’s advancement with the RS-GP. At the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this year, Espargaro made the announcement that he was leaving the MotoGP and that he was interested in taking on a new role in the sport.
It is unclear at this time whether Espargaro’s testing responsibilities in 2025 will include any participation in wildcard races. Bradl and he will assist racers Joan Mir and Luca Marini; Honda is anticipated to stick with the same lineup for the upcoming season. Whereas Mir apparently inked a two-year contract that runs through 2026, Marini is under contract through 2025.
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