Espargaró targets September return after new surgery

Aleix Espargaró has undergone another successful surgery in Barcelona, marking a key step in his recovery from the severe injuries sustained during a private test crash at Sepang in April. Doctors at Hospital Universitari Quirón‑Dexeus removed the plates and screws inserted after he fractured four vertebrae, an operation that signals the final phase of his rehabilitation. Initially treated in Malaysia, the 37‑year‑old later continued recovery in Spain while Honda replaced him with Takaaki Nakagami.

Espargaró now believes he can return to the track as early as September. In a social media post, he described the procedure as a “pit stop” and celebrated what he called a record recovery, expressing eagerness to get back on his Honda. He also thanked his wife for her support throughout the ordeal. The veteran test rider’s comeback would mark a rapid turnaround after one of the most serious injuries of his career.