MotoGP: Aleix Espargaro to Make Dutch GP Appearance with Honda

Aleix Espargaro returns to MotoGP competition at the Dutch TT, his third outing of the 2025 season with Honda. He will substitute injured Luca Marini on the second RC213V of the Honda HRC Castrol team. This wildcard ride follows his earlier appearances at the Spanish and British Grands Prix, as he remains with the Honda HRC test team.

After retiring from full-time racing, Espargaro took on a test rider role with Honda. He and Nakagami know the RC213V well, which makes them a good fit for occasional races. Espargar time on track not only covers for injured riders but also helps Honda improve the bike with real race data.

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Alex Espargaro said: 'I am really delighted to be able to help Honda HRC and work with the factory team this weekend in Assen. Lots of riders dream of being in the factory Honda team; to be able to do this now is a real surprise and pleasure – even if it is temporary.

'In both previous weekends this year for me I’ve been able to build more and more, so I hope we can start the weekend a little closer. I have good memories at Assen and it will be very interesting to see the Honda there, it’s quite different to the tracks I am normally testing at. I hope Luca is recovering well and he can be back here soon.'

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Espargaro's dual role as rider and tester has been a key reason in Honda's pursuit of improved MotoGP performance. His weekends on the bike offer critical input and feedback to refine the RC213V.