P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Aleix Espargaro admits there were two halves to his first year as a Honda MotoGP test rider
Honda MotoGP test rider Aleix Espargaro admitted feeling “a bit disconnected” with his new role in the first half of 2025 but found it to be “beautiful” by the end of the year. He joined Honda as a test rider in late 2024 after ending his full-time racing career. Through wildcard races and private tests, Espargaro played a crucial role in improving Honda’s performance in the 2025 season. Initially struggling due to conflicting cycling commitments and limited testing opportunities in the first months of the year, he later increased his involvement and found the experience “very beautiful” and emotionally fulfilling. Espargaro decided to focus more on his Honda duties by retiring from his professional cycling career with Lidl Trek.
