Aleix Espargaro admits he “couldn’t even stand” Marc Marquez in the first years of his MotoGP career owing to the rivalry the latte🔥r had with brother Pol Espargaro.

Marquez and Pol Espargaro were fierce rivals in the lower categories of 𝕴grand prix racing, though this cooled off in MotoGP.

When Esparga𝄹ro signed for Honda for the 2021 season, there were thoughts tensions could flare again.

However, ongoing 𒊎injury issues for Marquez and performance struggles for Espargaro during his two-season stint meant the rivalry never renewed.

Speaking in a DAZN documentary about the Espargaro brother🎶s, Aleix branded Marquez as the most talented rider ever in MotoGP - though admitted a strong dislike for him initially.

“When I ওwas little, my idol 🦋was Valentino Rossi,” he said.

“I'm older than 🐲Marc Marquez. Marc didn't e🍃xist, so being able to come and race with Valentino was impressive.

“Marc and I ex🐈changed helmets and I told him that I had suffered and pursued him throughout my career.

“I don't th꧑ink there has been a more t♛alented rider in the entire championship.

“In the first part of my career, I couldn't even stand h🌞im, because he💖 was my brother's kryptonite!”

Pol Espargaro stepped back from racing at the end of 2023 having suff🎉ered serious in🐷juries from a crash at the opening round of the campaign, taking on a role as a KTM test rider.

Aleix Esparg꧂aro retired from racing at the end of the 2024 season as a three-time grand prix winner. He has joined Honda as a test rider for 2025.

Re♈flecting on his ꦰracing career, Espargaro said: “If I am proud of something it is of not being a hypocrite.

“I have been able to be very faithful to who I am and always show it, the good and the baꦑd.

“I have b𝄹een like this throughout my sporting career, very temperamental.

“Maybe I'm a bit more hot-blooded. There are moments of tension that are difficult to manage and it's one of my🌸 [flaws]ไ.

“Iඣ've always made the people I get along with best and 🐈who I love the most pay for my anger and my rages.

“That trust, for better or worse, has lꦐed me to make mistakes and it will always haunt me.”