Espargaro
Injured
A
leix Espargaro has narrowly
avoided a career-threatening injury
while testing for Honda at Sepang.
HRC's test rider broke four verte-
brae after a fast crash when aboard
Honda's new 850cc machine. Thank-
fully, his spinal cord was not affected
in the fall, which was not believed to
be related to any mechanical issues.
After spending several days in a
hospital in Malaysia, the Catalan flew
to Barcelona late last week to assess
if further surgery is needed.
The spill represents a blow to the
development of Honda's current
1000cc machine, plus its 850cc unit.
Fellow test rider Takaaki Nakagami's
workload has likely increased for the
coming months.
Neil Morrison
Aleix Espargaro's crash during testing was a big one,
and he will be out of action for some time.
Beta, Osborne
Extend
Partnership
Z
ach Osborne and Beta USA reached
a multi-year deal that will keep him
as a Brand Ambassador through the
end of the 2028 season. The former
250 Supercross and 450 Motocross
Champion joined the Beta brand in
2025 and has, according to Beta, been
a key part of expanding brand aware
-
ness, representing the Italian brand at
select premier events, assisting with pro-level bike
testing, and providing factory rider mentorship.
"It has been a pleasure having Zach as part of
our Beta family," said Tim Pilg of Beta USA. "His
passion and desire to stay involved in the moto
world is a testament that he still enjoys riding, rac
-
ing, and just being in the motorcycle community.
Everything from putting out a fun ride video for
social media to helping our racers improve their
technique, he is an asset to the core of our future
racing projects."
"I've loved my time with Beta so far, and I'm
excited to further this relationship," said Osborne.
"The bikes have been awesome, and I've even
found a new love for some things I hadn't really
done much before, like trials. I'm excited to con
-
tinue sharing my enjoyment of the bikes and the
brand with other motorcycle enthusiasts over the
next couple of years! Thank you to Beta for this
continued partnership!"
CN
Zach Osborne and Beta
USA have extended
their partnership
through 2028.
WIND
IN THE
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