MotoGP, Aleix Espargaró from ugly duckling to frontrunner

Five years ago, if someone has said that Aleix Espargaró would be consistently fighting for the title in 2022, how many of us would have believed it? Not many. And yet the Spaniard is doing exactly what he always dreamed of, battling for the top positions and, as he himself admits, he achieved his goal in the final race before the summer break - to reduce the gap to leader Quartararo.

Tough years, spent further down the field

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The eldest Espargaró was, for several years, an 'also ran’, one of those competing in MotoGP but often placing in the bottom half of the standings. From 2010, his first full year in the top class, to 2020, his best result was a second-place finish in 2014 when he was riding an Open bike for the Forward team, after which he dropped back down the field again with Suzuki (2015-2016).

Aprilia and Aleix Espargaró, dreaming big together

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There was talent though, and Aprilia was able to spot this, signing him up for their new project. It took time and there were challenges before they began to find their way, but Espargaró has given it his all since 2017 and now, in their sixth season together, they’re reaping exactly what both parties always dreamed of. The Dutch GP further proved the solidity of the pairing, the Spaniard immediately penalised by the mistake made by Fabio Quartararo but quick to make a spectacular recovery, climbing all the way back up the field from fifteenth to fourth.

Will the dream become reality?

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After recent debate concerning a supposed lack of overtaking in MotoGP, Aleix made up for it all in just one race, one that he could have won had he not been conditioned at the start (in his opinion). Considering the hard work he’s done to get here, it is only right that we talk about this latest feat by Espargaró. And what about that double pass at the final corner, precise and perfect? This is his moment, the moment for him and for Aprilia, which also shines with Maverick Viñales. They must continue to dream big, with the same commitment as ever, if they want to achieve the ultimate goal. Fabio Quartararo permitting.

Translated by Heather Watson

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