Aleix Espargaro, having stepped away from full-time racing at the close of 2024, joined forces with Honda in 2025 as a test rider. His recent analysis of Marc Marquez‘s performance adds to the ongoing conversation about Marquez’s remarkable skills. Marquez, the Spanish racing icon, has kicked off the year with four sprint victories and three Grand Prix wins, capturing the attention of fans and fellow racers alike.
Espargaro openly lauded Marquez, describing what sets him apart as a “monster” on the track, currently unstoppable in his element. Speaking at a media event in Jerez, Espargaro remarked, “Marc Marquez is at an incredible level now. Everyone says he is faster than ever. Watching the race in Qatar, I said it was impossible for him not to win. The way he controls the races, approaches the weekend, and they way he rides and has fun, make him a monster. He is unbeatable right now.”
With the best team and machinery, Marquez exudes unparalleled confidence, allowing him to strategically outmaneuver his competition. Espargaro added, “He has the best team, the best bike, and the best confidence of his career, and he can make these games on the grid. Because when you are that confident you can take risks and play. The other riders were nervous while he was there thinking. Chapeau to Marc.”
This insight from Espargaro comes as he himself prepares for a return to racing, participating in Jerez as Honda’s wildcard. Reflecting on his feelings, he shared, “I’m very happy. I feel a bit strange; yesterday when I came to the paddock with my family we felt a bit strange, but happy – this is where I grew up so I still feel that it’s my home.”
Espargaro expressed both excitement and a sense of responsibility, stating, “A bit nervous to have these HRC colours, I feel a big responsibility – even if I’m just the test rider, but this is the biggest team ever in our sport so I feel really blessed to be able to race with these colours.” Balancing enthusiasm with realism, Espargaro noted, “I’m trying not to put a lot of pressure on myself. I lived with the pressure during 20 seasons, but it’s not my role anymore.”
Despite the new perspective, his commitment remains strong: “Obviously, being a part of HRC and being in the MotoGP World Championship you have to be focused and you have to give your 100 per cent, but I’m not setting a goal like top-10 or podium or whatever because it would be not real.”
As Marquez continues to dominate, the ripple effect touches both the competition and those like Espargaro, who are re-engaging with the sport. Marquez’s form signals a fascinating season ahead, as riders and fans eagerly watch to see how far his current success will take him.
