Espargaro excited about potential Vinales partnership at Suzuki

Aleix Espargaro says he is relishing the chance to line-up with reigning Moto3 world champion Maverick Vinales in Suzuki’s all-new MotoGP squad next year.

Although no official announcement has been made, Espargaro and Vinales will spearhead Suzuki’s return to premier class competition for the first time since 2011.

Vinales will move to Suzuki after just one season in the Moto2 category, with the lure of factory support and a bumper pay deal rumoured to be around £800,000 a year convincing him to take on the challenge of the Japanese brand a force in MotoGP again.

Espargaro, who will quit the Forward Racing squad after just one season to fulfil his dream of becoming a full factory rider in MotoGP, told MCN: “It would be fantastic if I go there and Maverick is the teammate.

“I have a really good relationship with him and do some motocross with him. It is not going to be easy for him because with just one year in Moto2 and with a new bike it is going to be difficult but it is a good challenge for him.”