Aleix Espargaro has announced that his 2020 Aprilia RS-GP20, a significant motorcycle in his MotoGP career, will be up for auction in the UK in 2026. The decision highlights a rare opportunity for motorcycle collectors and enthusiasts, putting the Aleix Espargaro Aprilia RS-GP20 auction at the center of attention for racing fans and historians.
A Rare Piece from MotoGP History
The 2020 Aprilia RS-GP20 carries immense historical weight, as it represents a pivotal stage in Aprilia’s journey back to competitiveness in MotoGP’s premier class. The machine was gifted to Espargaro in 2022 by Aprilia, acknowledging his vital contribution to the team’s technical and racing evolution. Since receiving the bike, Espargaro has kept it in his private collection, and it has remained unridden, ensuring its original form and condition are preserved for future owners.
Technical Breakthroughs Define the RS-GP20
This RS-GP model introduced substantial advancements for the Italian manufacturer. The 2020 season saw the introduction of a new V90 engine, improved aero design, a newly engineered double-rail aluminium chassis, and a seamless-shift gearbox. Teamed with Bradley Smith that year, Espargaro was instrumental in pioneering these improvements that laid the groundwork for the Noale-based squad’s ascent in the championship.
Exclusive Auction Details and Collectibles
The bike will be offered by Iconic Auctioneers during
Image of: MotoGP
“The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2026”
, set for 22 February 2026 at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry. This prestigious motorsports event emphasises the RS-GP20’s status as a prized piece of racing heritage. The auction lot includes the bike presented in its factory configuration, featuring a Marelli ignition system, Akrapovic exhaust, customized Öhlins suspension, advanced Brembo braking with carbon discs, and full carbon fibre bodywork. Also included are Espargaro’s helmet, racing suit, boots, and gloves from the 2020 season.
Legacy of Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia
Although Aleix Espargaro now serves as a MotoGP test rider for Honda, he is most closely associated with Aprilia’s recent resurgence. His experience and direction were critical in transforming the RS-GP into a consistent front-runner from 2022 onward. Espargaro’s journey, after facing tough challenges with other teams, reached a turning point with Aprilia—an era symbolized by the very bike now set to reach new hands.
Why This Auction Resonates with Enthusiasts
The Aleix Espargaro Aprilia RS-GP20 auction stands out as more than just a sale; it represents a tangible chapter in contemporary MotoGP history, connecting future collectors with the technology, spirit, and achievements of both the rider and Aprilia’s engineering team. The involvement of brands like Brembo, Akrapovic, Marelli, and Öhlins further underlines the technical pedigree of the motorcycle, while the inclusion of original gear offers added emotional and historical value.
This anticipated auction is set to draw interest from collectors, historians, and fans eager to own or witness a machine that helped shape the modern landscape of the MotoGP world stage.
