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Pol Espargaro says his final race day as a full-time MotoGP rider was tough to handle as emotions got the best of him.
The former Tech 3 GASGAS rider, Pol Espargaro, concluded his full-time MotoGP career at Valencia and was replaced by Pedro Acosta during the one-day test. Although Espargaro was initially contracted until the end of 2024, injuries prevented him from participating in a significant portion of the season. Additionally, KTM needed to promote Acosta to fend off interest from other manufacturers, which ultimately led to Espargaro being left out after KTM confirmed the retention of Augusto Fernandez. As a result, Espargaro, who will assume a test rider role with the Austrian brand next year, bid farewell to a 10-year MotoGP career at Valencia, where he achieved his first premier class podium.
Speaking to MotoGP.com, Espargaro expressed his emotional experience on the grid during his final race, acknowledging the significance of the moment and the memories it brought forth. Despite his desire to continue in MotoGP, Espargaro understands the circumstances and maintains a sense of gratitude for the past 10 years of his racing career. He attributes his success to the people around him who provide constant support, both on and off the track. Espargaro recognizes that these individuals are pivotal to his happiness and will remain by his side for the foreseeable future.
