Exactly, Barcelona Catalunya Circuit,6 months ago, Aleix Espargaro He tearfully talked about his decision to retire at the end of this season. Due to life circumstances, the circuit next to his home was once again the setting for his last race as a regular driver. MotoGP. After 20 years, it’s time to say goodbye to the World Cup.

After this GP, he left Aprilia and transferred to Honda as a test rider. The Noale factory is the brand he enjoys the most and has had the most success with. Three victories, which took a long time, were achieved by the Italians. This dichotomy has grown hand in hand, as the rise of Aprilia cannot be understood without the decisive role of the Catalans.

So this weekend’s farewell felt cruel to the eldest Espargaro. “I don’t know what I did to be so lucky, but I feel very lucky,” he explained to the press after his last MotoGP race.

When we asked Aprilia about all the special things they had in store for the farewell party, they said the main premise was to have fun. There is no sadness. And that was the basis for everything. On the same Thursday at Aprilia, he had already organized a meeting in Noale’s box with all those who left the team (Viñales also changed the scene, but in his case KTM). At that meeting, they recalled everything they had experienced together and laughed like never before. “I shot some videos with the drivers and it was a really fun day.” I was told this by those around me.

But that wasn’t the only encounter. Friday afternoon, after free practice and engagements with the press and sponsors. Aleix gathered his closest circle inside Aprilia’s box and presented each with a personal gift as a sign of gratitude.. At that moment, I was so overcome with emotion that I burst into tears.

two bikes of his life

Another detail of this farewell that most will no doubt forget is that Aleix was seen racing on yesterday’s sprint honor lap. 125cc Honda debuted in the world championship in 2004. It was my wife Laura’s idea to bring this, and at Aprilia we know how to hide secrets perfectly. But at Noale, we also wanted to provide Aleyx with a bike that was important to his career. And behind the box, RS-GP17, The bike he debuted with Aprilia seven years ago. In other words, these are two bikes that have a very significant meaning.

Bike details

Another thing they told us from Aprilia is that Aleix did not receive a bike for the Asian triplets. As ridiculous as it may seem at first glance, Espargaro is “tired” of competitive cycling. Must be implemented in each circuit. However, during his last Asian tour, he wanted to spend time with his family.. He put his second great passion aside for a few days and took advantage of his final days with the people who have given him so much in the biking world.. It’s a simple gesture, but it has great value for those who live with it every day. A stage that will remain in your memory forever comes to a close today.

record

Although his track record is perhaps less impressive than other drivers, many would like to get their hands on Aleix’s record. After the Catalan player left the World Cup, 20 years of racing and 3 wins, all with Aprilia.

In addition to these wins, he achieved a further 12 podiums and 7 pole positions across all categories. Since making his debut with Valencia in 2004, he has played in 339 matches. In fact, it’s when he plays that he stands out the most. and that’s itOnly Valentino Rossi has competed in more races in his MotoGP career than Aleix Espargaro.. ‘Il Dottore’ had 372 GP, but the Catalan closed his locker with 255 GP. Those are brutal numbers.