MotoGP currently has a unique pace of motorcycle development in history. Even without all having the same level of concessions, new solutions on the bikes are frequent, whether visible or not.
Therefore, taking advantage of the existing tests is of great importance, and in recent years the test teams have been reinforced – examples are KTM with Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaró, Cal Crutchlow at Yamaha, or the “pioneer” Michele Pirro with Ducati. Aleix Espargaró is at the end of his contract with Aprilia and may follow the same path.
The Spaniard mentioned that these are important roles and looks favorably on taking on that role within Aprilia: ‘It’s a new job, a new position, that didn’t exist five years ago. Now we understand how important it is. Ducati and Pirro changed the game six years ago, and now you see with Dani and Pol at KTM, Yamaha and Honda need to improve their test teams – they are not at the level of the Italian test teams or KTM. So, everything can change and I think it’s a good opportunity for me too. That’s why I’m thinking a lot‘.
The development work at Aprilia, to which Espargaró has contributed a lot over the past few years, also leaves him thoughtful about the possibility of becoming a test rider:
– It’s something I love, really. I had a lot of fun over the last six/seven years developing Aprilia. I think we did a very good job. I learned a lot of things and it’s also a possibility for the future.
