Aleix Espargaro says he never expected to be racing at MotoGP already after being called up by the Pramac team to replace Mika Kallio.
Espargaro has raced in only two 250cc events this year, but will already be making his MotoGP debut at Indianapolis this weekend. The 20-year-old, who will become the youngest ever Spaniard to race in the top category, said Pramac's call came as a big surprise.
"I have trained a lot during this period waiting for a call, but I would have never thought about racing in the top class: it will be for me a true honor ride for such a prestigious company as Ducati," said Espargaro.
"I have to thank Pramac Racing, who have chosen me, believing in my qualities. This season, after the unlucky events of the beginning of the season, I made it to race in the 250cc class in two occasions, Assen and Sachsenring, conquering respectively fourth and seventh positions.
"Of course I cannot expect similar results in MotoGP, but I will do my best to pay back the trust that the team has given me."
Team boss Paolo Campinoti welcomed Espargaro to the Italian squad.
"We are very happy to have him with us, he has done well in his short career and this year he hasn't been so lucky remaining without a team when everybody was already set up," he said.