Aleix Espargaro admits he “couldn’t even stand” Marc Marquez within the first years of his MotoGP profession owing to the rivalry the latter had with brother Pol Espargaro.
Marquez and Pol Espargaro had been fierce rivals within the decrease classes of grand prix racing, although this cooled off in MotoGP.
When Espargaro signed for Honda for the 2021 season, there have been ideas tensions may flare once more.
Nonetheless, ongoing harm points for Marquez and efficiency struggles for Espargaro throughout his two-season stint meant the rivalry by no means renewed.
Talking in a DAZN documentary concerning the Espargaro brothers, Aleix branded Marquez as probably the most gifted rider ever in MotoGP – although admitted a powerful dislike for him initially.
“Once I was little, my idol was Valentino Rossi,” he stated.
“I am older than Marc Marquez. Marc did not exist, so having the ability to come and race with Valentino was spectacular.
“Marc and I exchanged helmets and I advised him that I had suffered and pursued him all through my profession.
“I do not assume there was a extra gifted rider in all the championship.
“Within the first a part of my profession, I could not even stand him, as a result of he was my brother’s kryptonite!”
Pol Espargaro stepped again from racing on the finish of 2023 having suffered severe accidents from a crash on the opening spherical of the marketing campaign, taking up a job as a KTM take a look at rider.
Aleix Espargaro retired from racing on the finish of the 2024 season as a three-time grand prix winner. He has joined Honda as a take a look at rider for 2025.
Reflecting on his racing profession, Espargaro stated: “If I’m happy with one thing it’s of not being a hypocrite.
“I’ve been in a position to be very trustworthy to who I’m and all the time present it, the great and the dangerous.
“I’ve been like this all through my sporting profession, very temperamental.
“Perhaps I am a bit extra hot-blooded. There are moments of stress which are tough to handle and it is one among my [flaws].
“I’ve all the time made the individuals I get together with finest and who I really like probably the most pay for my anger and my rages.
“That belief, for higher or worse, has led me to make errors and it’ll all the time hang-out me.”
