Aleix Espargaro hoping Gresini stays with Aprilia in 2022

Aleix Espargaro is not only in his fifth MotoGP season with Aprilia, but also at the Gresini team.

That will all change for 2022 (the second year of Espargaro's current contract) with confirmation that the Italian factory will have its own MotoGP grid places next season, while Gresini reverts to Independent status.

Gresini's choice of future machines is yet to be confirmed, the team speaking with "several manufacturers", which is thought to mean Ducati, Aprilia and perhaps Suzuki.

"I am very happy for the Gresini family, honestly. It’s great for the memory of Fausto if they can continue in MotoGP next year," said Espargaro.

"I’d like a lot if they’re in charge of a satellite Aprilia team, and I said this to [Massimo] Rivola also. It would be great."

Meanwhile, Aprilia's MotoGP future is now clear, having signed directly with Dorna for 2022-2026.

"Regarding the future of Aprilia it’s another good announcement. I’m very happy and comfortable in the Aprilia team - more than ever," Espargaro said.

The Spaniard arrives at the first of his home rounds with high expectations after matching Aprilia's best four-stroke MotoGP result with sixth place in Portimao.

"I have a lot of expectations. In February the first time I rode this bike I was very fast here," Espargaro said. "Last year I had some technical problems in both races that we discovered later on. I think it’s going to be a good weekend for us.

"When a bike is competitive it’s good everywhere. One track will be a little bit better, one track will be a little bit worse, but if you have a good bike you can fight everywhere.

"I think Jerez has to be a good circuit for us."