Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1521442
Aleix Espargaro to Retire at End of 2024 A leix Espargaro announced he will retire from full-time competition at the end of 2024. The 34-year-old stated at the beginning of the season that this could be his final year and that it would take five or six races to decide. He revealed not feeling completely motivated to leave home for Austin and a frustrating crash during the Sprint race at Jerez as moments that caused him to arrive at this decision. "I'm very happy," he said in an emotional, exceptional press conference, which many Mo - toGP and Moto2 riders attended to pay their respects. There are many riders in the world in this space today who won a lot more than me, but I gave it everything that I had. Sometimes, I felt I didn't have the talent of other riders, but by working hard, I reached quite a high level. "These last two or three sea - sons, I was dreaming. This was one reason why [I] stopped. I've already had a lot of fun, and I'd like to retire at a good time." Espargaro debuted in the World Championship at the final round of 2004 in the 125cc class. After one and a half seasons in the Junior category, he stepped up to ride 250s for another two and a half seasons with limited success. He made his MotoGP debut midway through 2009 before winning the CRT class in 2012 and 2013. Further achievements included turning the Suzuki into a winning bike from 2015 to 2016 and then Aprilia to a machine capable of numerous victories. He scored his first Grand Prix success in Argentina, 2022. But rather than state wins, Espargaro went leftfield with his career highlight. "The best moment, it's easy to say Argen - tina," he said. "But today is an amazing moment, a feeling I've never had before. Relief. I'm extremely happy today. I've been a very lucky person. I don't want to choose just one moment. The most difficult was the '18 season when I was very close to retire. In fact, I decided to retire but my wife, Laura, persuaded me to stay. It was very difficult to find the motivation at home, but thankfully, I have great people around me." He stated on the chances of a testing role with Honda, "We'll have time to talk about it. I just want to enjoy this moment. I still have a long season in front of me on one of the best bikes on the grid with an opportunity to fight for wins and podiums. Also, the future with the changes in regulations in 2027, I'll have some possibilities to be testing. I know a lot of riders in this class today want my bike, so I need to have fun on it in the future." Espargaro stated the recent retirement of brother Pol was behind his decision. "One-hun - dred percent, yes," he said when asked if that had an influence. "After Pol's crash, it was not easy. He had a big one, and he changed quite a lot. I see him happier, which I didn't expect. When you're not riding you are not happy, not having fun at home. But he changed and is super happy. He pushed me a bit more to this decision." Neil Morrison WIND IN THE P28 Aleix Espargaro will call time on his racing career at the end of the year but has been linked to a testing role at Honda.