Espargaro ‘couldn’t disconnect', was ‘very angry’ during early Aprilia days

Aleix Espargaro has revealed what made him consider quitting MotoGP prior to the Covid-19 pandemic after several tough years at Aprilia. 

Aprilia have made their best start to a MotoGP season since joining the premier class in 2015, while it’s also been Espargaro’s best start to a campaign with the team. 

But until this season, regular top ten results were hard to come by - often finishing in the lower points scoring positions at best, which nearly made Espargaro leave the sport in 2019. 

Espargaro first spoke about this during a recent appearance on MotoGP’s own podcast ‘ ‘Last on the brakes’, but was asked about it again during today’s pre Mugello press conference. 

Espargaro alluded to arriving home from race weekends and not being able to ‘disconnect’ whilst being ‘very angry’, however, with the introduction of Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola, the Spaniard was convinced to stay - a decision that’s been a good one given their growth in 2021. 

"It's difficult to go to the races to fight for the top 15 and not more. Every race giving your best, feeling you’re riding good, working at your maximum level but impossible to finish in the top 10,” said Espargaro.  

"I’m not saying to win races but at least to finish in the top 10 or top six like we’re doing this year, so it was very frustrating. Every time I arrived home I couldn’t disconnect and I was very angry, I wasn’t enjoying life. 

"Yes I love MotoGP, it’s my passion since I was born but I think life is too short to not be happy and not enjoy what you’re doing. I think I’m able to do a lot more things over than ride MotoGP so yes, I was thinking to change my life but then with the arrival of Massimo, things started to change in Aprilia. 

"By changing things he convinced me, the project grew and I think I took the right decision. Thanks to him the results are arriving, the team and the project is growing so much and we are working very, very hard, the results are there. 

"The new bike is much more competitive, again we aren’t fighting for victories but we’re closer than ever. 

"When you can go to the races and fight for top sixes, the approach and mentality is another story. Now I’m enjoying life and I hope I can bring the project to the next level like we deserve!"