© Michelin ‘Physical fitness is very important, but what goes on in the head is even more’ – Aleix Espargaro

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) spoke openly about the importance of mental health for MotoGP riders.

It was an interesting and solid start to the season for Espargaro, with fourth place opening the calendar in Qatar and ninth place in the final race in Indonesia. The Aprilia rider is in seventh position in the World Championship, with twenty points secured so far.

Quoted by Speedweek, the rider does not hide the importance of the mental aspect for everyone involved in the sport:

– I worked with psychologists and mental coaches from the beginning. Especially in the early years of the World Championship, it was very important for me to be able to better assess my own options. When I competed in my first World Championship event I was only 15 years old. Working with psychologists and physical therapists also gave me new momentum in 2018 and 2019. There are always phases when doubts arise or things just don’t go in the desired direction. So, it is extremely important to have the right people on our side, who do their work in a professional way. These people will help you see things from a different perspective and guide you in new directions when they feel like you need to change something in your life to keep you on track with your goals.

The rider even considers that the mental aspect is more important than physical fitness: ‘Fitness plays a very important role in our sport, but what goes on in your head is even more important. Many cannot even imagine how much mental strength can be gained. I feel I’m still motivated and I think I’m in good shape to be able to race for another year or two. I think I will make a decision about my future during the 2022 season’.