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 have 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.
Nevertheless, 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 in regards to the Espargaro brothers, Aleix branded Marquez as essentially the most gifted rider ever in MotoGP – although admitted a robust dislike for him initially.
“Once I was little, my idol was Valentino Rossi,” he mentioned.
“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 the whole 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 over a job as a KTM check 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 check rider for 2025.
Reflecting on his racing profession, Espargaro mentioned: “If I’m happy with one thing it’s of not being a hypocrite.
“I’ve been capable of be very devoted to who I’m and at all times present it, the great and the dangerous.
“I’ve been like this all through my sporting profession, very temperamental.
“Possibly I am a bit extra hot-blooded. There are moments of rigidity which might be tough to handle and it is considered one of my [flaws].
“I’ve at all times made the folks I get together with finest and who I really like essentially the most pay for my anger and my rages.
“That belief, for higher or worse, has led me to make errors and it’ll at all times hang-out me.”
