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Aprilia Racing has confirmed the extension of Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales, the duo to compete for the Noale factory in MotoGP until at least the end of 2024.

It’s been a breakout season for Espargaro with the RS-GP, scoring both his and the manufacturer’s first MotoGP victory in the modern era along with a host of podium finishes to sit second in the championship standings.

“This confirmation was just what the doctor ordered,” Espargaro explained. “We’ve worked hard together and grown together. We were a hope, now we are reality. In 2021 we had already seen clear signs of our steps forward and now we are able to battle consistently with the best in the world. Continuing to do so with Aprilia is a source of pride for me. We can grow even more and we want to demonstrate that on the track.”

Vinales joined the squad midway through last season after he parted ways with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team, and sits 13th in points after Le Mans, his best result in 2022 being P7 at Termas de Rio Honda.

“I’m extremely happy to continue my work with Aprilia Racing,” Vinales stated.  “Now our horizons are expanding and we’ll be able to work with continuity to achieve ambitious goals.

“I believe in this project and I’m happy to be part of it. I’ve found a fantastic environment in Aprilia and this confirmation gives me the peace of mind to grow the way this team and I deserve to.”

The announcement was made in a special press conference ahead of the Italian GP at Mugello, where Aprilia Racing enter at the top of the team’s standings.

Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola added: “All the good we are doing this season is the fruit of many components, certainly the value of our designers and our technicians led by Romano Albesiano, the overall growth of our racing department and, in large part, the synergy that our Captain Aleix has skilfully built with the bike and with the team.

“So, we set the goal of continuing along these lines, both with Aleix and with Maverick, and I am pleased with these confirmations today. We still need to grow a lot and now we have the peace of mind to do so.”