When Aleix Espargaró steps off his Aprilia RS-GP for the final time at this weekend’s Barcelona Grand Prix, he will be able to reflect on a long and ultimately successful MotoGP career—one that few, including Espargaró himself, could have predicted would unfold the way it did.

In fact, his journey in grand prix racing is unique—no rider has followed his path, and it’s unlikely anyone will again. At 35 years old, Espargaró will retire with 255 premier class starts. Only Valentino Rossi has contested more races at this level, making Espargaró's longevity in the sport truly remarkable, especially as he bids farewell to the demanding schedule of 20 international races each season.

Though it may sound like a cliché, Espargaró's career can be likened to a fine blue cheese—it only got better with age. By the end of his final season, he will have secured at least three MotoGP victories, two Sprint Race wins, 11 podiums, and seven pole positions. His breakthrough win at the 2022 Argentinian GP is one of the most memorable moments in modern MotoGP history and will be cherished long after he leaves the sport.

While some may cynically point to the fact that Espargaró’s first victory came after 200 races, that delay speaks to his determination and ability to rally a team around him, keeping him in the sport long after many of his more decorated peers had come and gone.

Espargaró began his career in 125cc in 2004, moving up to 250cc in 2006 and making his MotoGP debut in 2009. Aside from a season in Moto2 in 2011, he has remained in the premier class for an impressive 15 years. There’s an element of luck in Espargaró’s career, as a chance opportunity as a substitute for an injured rider led to a full-time MotoGP ride, something that might never have happened otherwise.

His four-race stint with Pramac Racing in 2009, filling in for the injured Mika Kallio, was instrumental in launching his MotoGP career. Despite the limitations of the Ducati bike, he impressed with consistent finishes and points finishes. This led to a full-time contract in 2010, paving the way for a long-term MotoGP career.

Leaving the sport with victories to his name is an achievement few riders can match. But Espargaró’s legacy is particularly significant because he achieved success on an Aprilia machine that, for years, had struggled to compete with the best. His story is a testament to perseverance and loyalty, showing how dedication to development can lead to greatness.

Espargaró’s journey with Aprilia began in 2017, when the team was still finding its footing after returning to MotoGP following a long absence. The Aprilia project, split between in-house and Gresini Racing efforts, was far from a top contender. But Espargaró’s experience and determination helped the team slowly improve, even when results were not forthcoming.

Over his eight seasons with Aprilia, Espargaró remained committed, gradually bringing the RS-GP into a more competitive position. By the time the bike was ready to fight at the front, Espargaró had become the only rider capable of achieving the best results on it. His fourth-place finish in the 2022 season, which included six podiums and a historic win in Argentina, was a testament to his growth and dedication to the project. It wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was a triumph for Espargaró, who had been instrumental in shaping the bike and the team.

What sets Espargaró apart is his ability to lift not just himself but an entire manufacturer and team. In a sport where most riders aim to join established top teams, Espargaró chose to bring Aprilia along with him, and in doing so, he helped lay the foundation for future riders like Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi, who will benefit from his hard work in the years to come.

As Espargaró looks ahead to a new chapter with Hondaas a testing rider, he can look back on his time with Aprilia with immense pride, knowing that he was the one who helped the team reach its current competitive level. That achievement is something special, and it’s something to be especially proud of.