Motorcycling-Aprilia's Espargaro to retire at end of MotoGP season

FILE PHOTO: Apr 14, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Aleix Espargaro (41) of Spain and Aprilia Racing rides during the MotoGP Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Aprilia Racing's Aleix Espargaro will retire at the end of MotoGP's 2024 season, the Spaniard said on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Catalonia Grand Prix.

The 34-year-old made his MotoGP debut in 2009 and is riding in his 13th world championship campaign. He has achieved three wins, 11 podiums and five poles during his career.

Espargaro, who joined Aprilia in 2017 for a second stint after spells with Ducati, Forward Yamaha and Suzuki, won the Catalonia Grand Prix last season.

"I am very happy and proud, although it is never enough, but I am proud of how far I have come," Espargaro told reporters.

"Surely that child who debuted around here many years ago would be happy."

(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)