Aleix Espargaro has been lamওbasted for a perceived lack of loyalty towards Aprilia.

The veteran MotoGP rider h♉as announced his retirement at the end of this season.

S🌠wiftly after that confirmation, Espargaro penned a deal to join Honda as a test rider.

Espargaro has insisted his first job will be to improve m☂orale inside𝔉 the struggling Japanese brand.

But TNT Sports’ Neil𓄧 Hodgson has questioned how the typically emotional Espargaro might manage that task.

“I’m intrigued how it will build morale, as he comes in kicking his chair and throwing stuff aroun🧸d,” Hodgson asked.

“I laughed out loud when I found out tha🧸t he’d signed for Honda.

“This is my take on it: ꦫAleix is the self-proclaimed captain. He’﷽s been employed by Aprilia for eight years, they have made him a millionaire.

“He has work😼ed hard, Aprilia have worked hard to make the motorcycle better.

“He’s never really ha𝄹d offers from other teams because he wasn’t one of the favourite guys.

“Aprilia stayed loyal to him. He retires, Aprilia sign two new riders and need stability, they need someone who knows the bike well to stay wit♈h the team.

“Bu🧸t no! The first time he gets an offer from another manufacturer with a bit more money - because we kn༒ow Aleix likes money - he has abandoned ship.

“The captain is no longer the captain, in fꦗact he’s gone! He is now going to steer another 💝ship.

“I think it’s bizarre. That’s what everyone thinks in the paddock, everyon🉐e is l🦩aughing.

“How can ไyou unders🍎tand it? Where’s your loyalty to your ship?

“He says he’ll bring morale but wait until it’s highsided him three or 🍎four times on his first days of testing, then tell us how good it is.”

Sylvain Guintoli said: “[Aprilia] started with a bike and a team which were noꦉt competitive so it will feel weird to see him on another bike, with another manufactur꧙er. That said, his experience and his speed will be useful for Honda. For the championship, and for Honda, it’s a really good signing.”

Espargaro joined Aprilia in 2017 and has been a key part in their rise t🥂o frequently challenging Ducati and winning races this year.

Espargaro and teammate Maverick Vinales have both won sprints this season, and Vinaไles won the Grand Prix of the Americas.

But, with E𒆙spargaro switching 💖allegiance to assist Honda’s recovery project, Aprilia must rebuild without him.

The Italian manu🅠facturer will pair Jorge Martin with Marco Bezzecchi in 2025.