Espargaro: Iannone signing killed my Suzuki chances
Aleix Espargaro says he knew his fate with the Suzuki MotoGP team was sealed as soon as the Japanese manufacturer announced the signing of Andrea Iannone.
Aleix Espargaro, Team Suzuki MotoGP
Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
The Spaniard was finally announced as an Aprilia rider in 2017 on Sunday evening following the Dutch TT at Assen, almost a week after Alex Rins was named as Suzuki's second rider alongside Iannone.
While Espargaro spoke of potentially continuing at Suzuki after the Iannone announcement was made at Mugello, he revealed in Barcelona he was speaking to Aprilia and Aspar Ducati about a deal for next year.
Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, Espargaro admitted that he knew there was virtually no chance of the Hamamatsu-based marque keeping him on, because it wouldn't want to have two experienced riders.
Asked if he knew he was on his way out at Suzuki as soon as Iannone was confirmed, Espargaro said: "Yes, that's why Mugello was a very difficult weekend for me.
"I could have had the opportunity to stay for another two years, but their strategy is to always have a young rider in the team.
“Anyway, this is racing. They have decided to go in another direction and I have to respect their decision.”
Podium "dream"
Espargaro added that his aim for the rest of the season is to score a first podium finish with Suzuki, whose only previous top three since its comeback came courtesy of Maverick Vinales at Le Mans.
“These two seasons have been incredible,” said the 26-year-old. “The team is very professional, but with a family atmosphere which is hard to find in a team this size.
“Of course I am a bit sad, but given how the start of the year was a disaster, I will try to finish my time with Suzuki in the best way possible.
“To take a podium with Suzuki would be a dream, so I will continue to work my hardest.”
Interview by Casper Ferwerda
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