Aleix and Pol Espargaró could race together again in MotoGP

Pol Espargaró sees a strong chance of sharing the MotoGP grid with his brother Aleix.

Aleix Espargaro of Honda Racing Team and Pol Espargaro of KTM Factory Racing during day two of the MotoGP Sepang Shakedown at Petronas Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Malaysia, on February 1, 2025. Photo by Hazrin Yeob Men Shah/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Aleix Espargaró stepped away from full-time MotoGP racing at the end of last season but remains involved in the championship as a Honda test rider. His younger brother, Pol Espargaró, holds a similar role at KTM, with both riders contributing to the development of their respective manufacturers. As part of their testing duties, they are eligible for wildcard race entries, opening the door for a potential return to the grid.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Pol Espargaró acknowledged the possibility of racing alongside Aleix again in MotoGP. While the circumstances would depend on various factors, including Honda’s plans and potential injury replacements, he believes there is a strong chance that the two brothers could share the track once more.

Honda’s concessions increase Aleix’s wildcard opportunities

Pol Espargaró pointed out that Honda’s current status in MotoGP gives his brother more flexibility to participate in races compared to KTM. Under MotoGP’s concession rules, struggling manufacturers receive additional development privileges, including more wildcard entries and private testing opportunities.

“It could happen. There are a lot of chances. Aleix might do more races because Honda has much more freedom and concessions than we have at KTM to get back to where we are. Aleix can do many more races than me, plus I think they have tests planned at more circuits.”

Honda is in the process of rebuilding its MotoGP program after several challenging seasons, and Aleix Espargaró’s experience is expected to play a key role in the manufacturer’s efforts to regain competitiveness. With additional wildcard slots available, Aleix could make multiple race appearances throughout the season.

Injury replacements could bring the Espargaró brothers back together

Beyond wildcard entries, Pol Espargaró highlighted another scenario that could see both brothers on the grid simultaneously—stepping in as injury replacements. Test riders often serve as substitutes when full-time racers are sidelined due to injury, making it a realistic possibility that either Aleix or Pol could be called up.

“If a rider gets injured, we will have to step up. Hopefully, that won’t happen, and if we end up together, let it be through the wildcards we have. But yes, there are chances.”

Given the physically demanding nature of MotoGP, injuries are an unfortunate reality of the sport. Last season saw multiple riders missing races due to crashes, and test riders were frequently drafted in as substitutes. If such a situation arises, the Espargaró brothers could find themselves competing in the same event once again.

The last time Aleix and Pol Espargaró raced together

Throughout their careers, Aleix and Pol Espargaró have frequently shared the MotoGP grid, competing against each other across different teams and manufacturers. Their last full season together was in 2023, when Aleix raced for Aprilia and Pol was part of GASGAS Tech3. With Aleix stepping away from full-time competition, their future race appearances will depend on wildcard opportunities and team decisions.

While nothing is confirmed yet, Pol’s comments indicate that fans could see the Espargaró brothers reunited on the track at some point in the 2025 MotoGP season. Whether through scheduled wildcard appearances or unforeseen circumstances, their presence would add an exciting dynamic to the championship.