Ahead of the HJC Helmets Grand Prix de Frane, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini has today announced that Aleix Espargaro has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping the Spaniard on the RS-GP for another two years.
Espargaro is in his seventh consecutive year as a premier class rider after returning from a year in Moto2 in 2011. The Spaniard made a name for himself in 2012 and 2013, asserting himself as the best CRT rider on board the Aprilia developed ART bike. His best finish in the premier class came at Aragon GP in 2014, finishing second on his Forward Racing Yamaha – his best result to date. Espargaro has also taken two pole positions, with a best finish of seventh in the overall standings coming in 2014.
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Staying with Aprilia guarantees further continuity to the still young, but increasingly more solid Aprilia project in MotoGP, with Espargaro being a fundamental component to the continuing development of the RS-GP prototype.
“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,” explained Espargaro: “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.”
“This renewal is first and foremost acknowledgement of Aleix’s qualities. He is a fast rider and an exemplary professional,” added Aprilia Racing Manager Romano Albesiano: “From the time he arrived, he has brought passion and motivation to the garage with a positive effect on the entire team. 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.”
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