MotoGP riders’ association: Why Aleix Espargaró is holding off for now

Aleix Espargaró thinks a riders’ association in MotoGP is an interesting idea – but why he cannot envisage taking on a leadership role at present

Aleix Espargaró can, in principle, envisage championing the interests of MotoGP riders more strongly in future. Leading a potential riders’ association, similar to that in Formula 1, would certainly be appealing to the Honda test rider.

When asked whether he could envisage acting as chairman or head of such an organisation and campaigning for changes in the MotoGP paddock, Espargaro responds candidly: “It would certainly be interesting.”

“It’s definitely an interesting task. It’s something all riders would like to see,” explains the Spaniard. At the same time, he makes it clear that there is currently a big difference between a general interest in the role and actually taking it on. “It would be a very difficult task. And I’m not sure if I’m in the right frame of mind for it at the moment,” Espargaró admits.

Honda project takes priority for now

The main reason for his reluctance lies in his current situation. Following his injury, he has missed a lot of time on the motorbike. That is precisely why the 36-year-old does not want to put his role as a Honda test rider on hold in favour of other tasks for the time being, but rather to focus on it.

“After the injury I suffered, I’ve missed out on a lot. I’ve missed riding the motorbike and my work on Honda’s development project,” says Espargaro. Over the next two years, he therefore wants above all to ride regularly again and enjoy working with the Japanese manufacturer.

“I still have a lot of work ahead of me,” emphasises the Spaniard. Nevertheless, he does not rule out a future role as a riders’ representative. “You never know what the future holds.”

Espargaro ended his career as a regular MotoGP rider at the end of 2024 and subsequently joined Honda’s test team. There, he is set to use his many years of experience to help further develop the RC213V. Honda had already announced his appointment in July 2024, highlighting in particular his extensive experience in the premier class.

No full return to MotoGP

Although he would like to continue riding regularly, Espargaro is not considering a return to the World Championship as a regular rider. His family comes first for him: “They are the most important thing to me.”

At the same time, the demands of the test rider role should not be underestimated. “Once I’m physically fit again, my work for Honda will take up a great deal of time. My family will be travelling with me to Malaysia, where numerous tests are taking place. That’s more than enough,” explains the three-time Grand Prix winner.

The racing calendar is already very demanding as it is. “I can’t imagine racing in the World Championship for the whole season again,” Espargaro makes clear.

Formula 1 Drivers’ Association since 1961

As for the idea of a drivers’ association in MotoGP, a concrete attempt in 2023 failed. Former MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli was set to lead the new association. However, the riders were unable to agree on a common approach. The costs of such an organisation also raised concerns.

There are certainly enough common issues, such as safety, the racing calendar and working conditions. An organised representative body could help the riders to present their demands to those in charge in a united front.

In Formula 1, there has been an organised representative body for riders since 1961. Alexander Wurz is the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA).