Aleix Espargaro will remain with the factory Aprilia squad in MotoGP through to the end of 2020, after agreeing a new two-year deal with the Noale factory.
Espargaro joined Aprilia last year having spent two seasons with the factory Suzuki team, securing consistent top 10 results for the Italian manufacturer and ending the year 15th in the standings, despite battling numerous technical issues.
The Spaniard currently sits 18th in this year's points table with just a solitary 10th in Texas to his credit, after a fuel consumption issue in Qatar, and mechanical issues in Argentina and Jerez robbed him of points.
Despite ongoing reliability issues with the RS-GP, Espargaro still believes Aprilia has the potential to run at the front in MotoGP, and says his “obsession” remains to take the Aprilia to the podium.
“I am very happy to stay with Aprilia for another two years,” he said.
“For the first time in my career, I am able to have stability and this is important to improve and grow together.
“I have a sole objective, an obsession and that is to take the RS-GP to the podium. I wish to thank Aprilia and my entire team.
“We will continue working at 100% through 2020.”
Aprilia boss Romano Albesiano added: “This renewal is first and foremost acknowledgement of Aleix's qualities.
“He is a fast rider and an exemplary professional. From the time he arrived, he has brought passion and motivation to the garage with a positive effect on the entire team.
“His contribution to the growth of the RS-GP is undeniable and I am certain that the next two years will allow us to achieve important results and above all that they will bring us back to involving, thrilling and inspiring young people and the many fans that Aprilia has all over the world.
“The signs are there, so giving the technical project continuity with a rider who knows the team and bike well lets us plan development in the best possible way with an eye to the future.”
Espargaro's current teammate Scott Redding is only on a one-year deal with Aprilia, and is under threat from losing his seat to Pramac's Danilo Petrucci, should an option on him not be taken up by Ducati to promote him to the factory team next year.
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