Honda MotoGP test rider Aleix Espargaro has admitted that he initially felt disconnected from his new role during the first half of 2025, but says the experience became deeply rewarding toward the end of the season.
The three-time MotoGP race winner joined Honda as an official test rider at the end of 2024 after stepping away from full-time racing. Throughout 2025, Espargaro took part in several private tests and wildcard appearances, playing an important role in Honda’s steady improvement.
Looking back on his first year in the role, Espargaro acknowledged that his commitments to professional cycling, combined with a limited early testing schedule, prevented him from fully engaging with Honda’s programme. In the first few months of the season, he completed only a single test, which made it difficult to feel involved.
That changed as the season progressed. Ahead of the summer break, Espargaro increased his testing workload, held more technical discussions with Honda technical director Romano Albesiano, and spent more time inside the garage observing factory riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini. This deeper involvement helped him feel integrated into the HRC structure.
By the final months of the season, Espargaro described the experience as emotional and highly enjoyable, saying he felt truly connected to the factory team. He praised the people within Honda and expressed satisfaction with a role that allows him to ride, contribute from the garage, and continue learning while helping the project move forward.
Earlier this month, Espargaro confirmed he had ended his professional cycling career with Lidl Trek in order to focus fully on his responsibilities with Honda.
