Despite a miserable start to the 2018 season, Aleix Espargaro has signed a new two-year contract to remain at the factor꧙y Aprilia team until the end of 2020ꦺ.

The Spaniard, who has suffered technical issues in three of the four races this seaso🍬n, remains convinced that the latest RS-GP h🌼as podium potential.

"I am very happy to stay with Aprilia for another two years," Espar🎶garo 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."

"This renewal is first and foremost acknowledgement of Aleix's qualities," stated Aprilia Ra𝔉cing manager Romano Albesiano. "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 th🐻e 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 Ap🍸rilia has all over the worl❀d.

"The signs are there, so givin🔜g 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 has raced Ducati, ART, Foꦅrward Yamaha, Suzuki and Apri🅰lia machinery in the premier-class, his best result being a second place for Forward in 2014.

Scott Redding currently rides alongside Espargaro, hav♐ing joined the team this se💞ason on a one year deal.