Aprilia retain Espargaro and Viñales for 2023

Written by Andrew Lwanga, Edited by Haneen Abbas

Aleix Espargaro on the podium at Jerez earlier this month (Credit: Steve Wobser/Getty Images)

There will be no changes to Aprilia's MotoGP line-up in 2023. Motorsport.com has reported that the resurging Italian brand will retain both frontrunner Aleix Espargaro and countryman Maverick Viñales.

An official announcement by Aprilia is yet to be made however it is worth stating the team has called for a press conference on the eve of their home Grand Prix in Mugello.

It comes as no surprise that Aprilia opted to retain Espargaro, the Spaniard has for lack of better term "stuck it out" with the team during their struggles and has been the spearhead of their Championship assault.

It wasn't all smooth sailing however as the ever expressive Espargaro said he had felt displeased by the fact that contract negotiations had dragged on for so long. It's safe to say those demons have been put to bed.

There had also been much speculation of who Espargaro's teammate would be. Viñales has failed to match his teammate so far complaining that the bike does not suit his riding style. With the withdrawal of Suzuki from MotoGP many wondered if Aprilia would turn to 2020 world champion Joan Mir as a replacement for the struggling Viñales.

Aprilia have so far enjoyed their best start to a season in the premier class. Their frontrunner Aleix Espargaro is within touching distance of the Championship lead and while "Top Gun" has struggled to adapt, there's very little doubt over what he's capable of on a motorcycle.

And while the retention of both teammates would seem a maintenance of order, it only makes the "silly season" sillier. With the futures of both Suzuki riders unknown and the possibility of graduates from Moto2, the shape that the grid will take in 2023 is becoming less and less clear.