Aleix Espargaro hospitalised after crash in Sepang MotoGP test

Aleix Espargaro suffered a serious crash last Tuesday in Sepang, where he was on track with the entire Honda MotoGP test and development team. The Spanish rider posted a photo and an explanation of what happened on his social media.

"On Tuesday, during the test here in Sepang, I suffered a very serious crash,” he explained in the post.

“As a result, I had several contusions and four fractured vertebrae, although very narrowly, and fortunately, they did not affect my spinal cord.

"After spending a few days at the CU Aurelius Hospital, where I received excellent care, I can now fly home with Laura [his wife], who came to rescue me from the other side of the world (again, and I've lost count!). There [at home] we'll assess whether I need surgery at the Quiron Dexeus Hospital. Thanks to my entire Honda team for taking care of me these last few days. Sorry for the scare, I'll be back!"

Aleix Espargaro, Honda HRC

Photo by: Hazrin Yeob Men Shah / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Development of the 2026 and 2027 bikes

Espargaro has been focused in these first months of the year on the development of Honda's current bike, the 2026 RC213V prototype, which will continue to progress in all the specific areas that can be changed, such as the chassis, swingarm, and aerodynamics, until the Brno tests, searching for the key component that the Tokyo bike is missing: traction.

Meanwhile, the brand's other test rider, Japan's Takaaki Nakagami, was focused on developing the new bike for next season, the RC214V, with an 850cc engine and Pirelli tires, under the new technical regulations coming into effect next year. Espargaro was set to lead this development after the Czech Republic Grand Prix.

With this injury, Nakagami, who was seen riding the 2027 bike this week in Sepang, will now have to contribute to the development of both prototypes until Espargaro can recover from his injuries and return to racing.

The official 2026 season test schedule includes events in Jerez on 27 April and in Barcelona on 18 May, both with 1000cc bikes and Michelin tires. From then on, the tests in Brno on 22 June and Spielberg on 21 September will be with 2027 bikes, with 850cc engines and fitted with Pirelli tires.