ไAleix Espargaro is not only in his fifth MotoGP season with Aprilia, but also ♛at the Gresini team.

That will all change for 2022 (the second year of Espargaro's current contract) with confirmation that the Italian factory will have its own MotoGP grid places🅺 next season, while Gresini reverts to Independent status.

Gresini's choice of future m𝔉achines is yet to be c💃onfirmed, the team speaking with "several manufacturers", which is thought to mean Ducati, Aprilia and perhaps Suzuki.

"I am🔜 very happy for the Gresini family, honestly. It’s great for the memory of Fausto if they can continue in MotoGP next year," said Espar༺garo.

"I’d like a lot if they’re in charge of a satellite🎀 Aprilia team, and I said this to [Massimo] Rivola also. It 🎉would be great."

Meanwhile, Aprilia's MotoGP future is now clear, having signe𝓰d dire꧙ctly with Dorna for 2022-2026.

"Regarding the future of Aprilia it’s anotherꦛ good announcement. I’m very happy and comfortable in the Aprilia team - more than ever," Espargaro said.

The Spaniard ar🌱rives at the first of his home rounds with high expectations after mat🧔ching Aprilia's best four-stroke MotoGP result with sixth place in Portimao.

"I have a lot of expectations. In February the𝓰 first time I rode this bike I was very fast here," Espargaro said. "Last year I had some technical problems in both races that we discovered later on. I think it’s going to be a good weekend for us.

"When a bike is competitive it’s good everywhere. One track will be a little bꦏit better, one track will be a little bit worse, but if you have a good b꧟ike you can fight everywhere.

"I think Jerez has to be a good circuit for us."