Jorge Martin Embarks on a New Chapter with Aprilia: A Champion’s Journey
For the first time in his MotoGP career, world champion Jorge Martin is set to race for a manufacturer’s factory team. The 27-year-old Spaniard, who recently made the switch from Ducati to aprilia, is embracing this new chapter with a sense of duty rather than pressure.
Martin’s move to Aprilia came after a whirlwind of events. Despite his outstanding performances, he was overlooked by Ducati in favor of the eight-time world champion Marc Marquez. This decision, while understandable from a marketing viewpoint, left many motorsport fans feeling a sense of injustice.
When it became clear that Ducati had chosen Marquez for their factory team, Martin wasted no time. He swiftly negotiated a deal with Aprilia, marking a important shift in his career. Not only did he join the italian manufacturer, but he also adopted the prestigious #1 plate, a move not seen as Valentino Rossi’s switch from Honda to Yamaha in 2004.
Aprilia’s racing chief, Massimo Rivola, recalls the pivotal moment: “The possibility was only created in Mugello. Of course, we already had contact in advance, but the concrete way of signing Jorge under contract did not arise until Sunday. Then everything had to go very quickly. I got myself from Piaggio Group CEO Dr.Michele Colannino reported, described the situation and immediately received the release. It wasn’t time for long debates,we acted directly.”
On June 3, Aprilia officially confirmed the contract, pairing Martin with Marco Bezzecchi for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This dynamic duo, both former Ducati riders, is expected to bring fresh energy to the Aprilia garage.
Martin’s first test with the Aprilia RS-GP took place on November 19 in barcelona, followed by a more extensive session at the Sepang Circuit this week. Despite the high expectations,Martin remains grounded. “After four years with Pramac, it is indeed tough to have such a family feeling,” he shared with journalists. “But I took a few people from Pramac with me and knew some from Aprilia to Aleix Espargaro. it will be a great group.”
He also took a subtle jab at Ducati’s management: “I now have a relationship with the bosses I didn’t have before – with none of them. Now I’m really involved in the project and can help a lot. When I get into the box, I breathe a good atmosphere, thatS excellent.”
As a world champion, Martin is no stranger to high expectations. However, he dismisses the notion of pressure. “I never felt pressure in my life before last year,” he said. “Now I don’t feel pressure, I feel responsibility. If you fight for a championship, you have the highest pressure. I went through that, last year it was crazy.Now I am very relaxed and want to call up my performance, I have a great weight from my shoulders.”
Martin’s first test in 2025 will see him on the same bike he used in Barcelona, with plans to transition to the RS-GP25 later. “I don’t make my head about my speed, it will be more about how quickly I can adapt to the motorcycle. My position on the bike will be different, but I have lost none of my speed in the two months since I drove a MotoGP bike,” he revealed.
Key Highlights of Jorge martin’s Move to Aprilia
Table of Contents
- Jorge Martin Embarks on a New Chapter with Aprilia: A Champion’s Journey
- Introduction to Jorge Martin’s Move
- The Decision to Leave Ducati
- Negotiations with Aprilia
- Teaming Up with Marco Bezzecchi
- First Tests and Adaptations
- Transition to RS-GP25
- Pressure vs. Responsibility
- Building a New Team Atmosphere
- Relationship with Aprilia’s Management
- Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season
- Conclusion
- Key Highlights of Jorge Martin’s Move to Aprilia
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| New Team | Aprilia Factory Team |
| Teammate | Marco Bezzecchi |
| Contract Duration | 2025 and 2026 |
| First Test | November 19, 2023, in Barcelona |
| Upcoming Test | Sepang Circuit, February 2025 |
| Bike Transition | Initial tests on RS-GP, later switching to RS-GP25 |
| Key Quote | “Now I don’t feel pressure, I feel responsibility.” – Jorge Martin |
Martin’s journey with Aprilia is just beginning,but his confidence and determination are already setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned as the world champion continues to make waves in the MotoGP world.
Jorge Martin Embarks on a New Chapter with Aprilia: A Champion’s Journey
Introduction to Jorge Martin’s Move
Editor: Jorge, you’ve recently made a significant move in your MotoGP career by joining Aprilia’s factory team. How do you feel about this new chapter?
jorge Martin: It’s a moment of great excitement and responsibility. Moving to Aprilia after four years with Pramac Racing is a fresh start. I’m embracing this change with a sense of duty rather than pressure. It’s about proving myself in a new environment and contributing to the team’s success.
The Decision to Leave Ducati
Editor: Your move to Aprilia came after being overlooked by Ducati in favor of Marc Marquez. How did that decision impact you?
Jorge Martin: Honestly, it was a surprise.I had some outstanding performances, and many felt I deserved the spot. But Ducati made their decision,and I respected it. It pushed me to seek new opportunities, and Aprilia presented the perfect challenge.It’s about turning disappointment into motivation.
Negotiations with Aprilia
Editor: How did the negotiations with Aprilia unfold? Could you share some insights into the process?
Jorge Martin: it was a whirlwind. After Mugello, things moved quickly. Aprilia’s racing chief, Massimo Rivola, was instrumental. We had prior contact, but the concrete deal came together in a matter of days. Piaggio Group CEO michele Colannino gave the green light, and we acted immediately. It felt right from the start.
Teaming Up with Marco Bezzecchi
Editor: You’ll be paired with Marco Bezzecchi for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. What are your thoughts on this dynamic duo?
Jorge Martin: Marco is a fantastic rider, and we share a history with Ducati. Both of us bring fresh energy to Aprilia. It’s not just about individual performance but also how we can push each other and the team forward. I’m looking forward to this partnership.
First Tests and Adaptations
editor: You’ve already had your first test with the Aprilia RS-GP.how was the experience?
Jorge Martin: The initial test in Barcelona was about getting a feel for the bike. Adapting to a new machine takes time, but I’m confident. The position on the bike is different, but I haven’t lost any speed. The upcoming tests in Sepang will be crucial for fine-tuning.
Transition to RS-GP25
Editor: You’ll be transitioning to the RS-GP25 later. What are your expectations?
Jorge Martin: The RS-GP25 is the future, and I’m excited to make the switch. It’s not just about speed but how quickly I can adapt. My focus is on understanding the bike and making it an extension of my riding style. The goal is to be fully prepared for the 2025 season.
Pressure vs. Responsibility
Editor: As a world champion, there’s always pressure. How do you handle it?
Jorge Martin: I’ve learned to differentiate between pressure and responsibility.Last year,the championship fight was intense,and I felt the pressure. Now, I feel a sense of responsibility to perform and contribute to Aprilia’s success. It’s a different mindset, and it keeps me grounded.
Building a New Team Atmosphere
Editor: You mentioned bringing some people from Pramac with you. How vital is team chemistry?
Jorge Martin: Team chemistry is everything. I took a few familiar faces from Pramac and knew some from Aprilia, like Aleix Espargaro. It’s about creating a great group where everyone is aligned and motivated. A positive atmosphere in the garage translates to better performance on the track.
Relationship with Aprilia’s Management
Editor: How has your relationship with Aprilia’s management been so far?
Jorge Martin: It’s been excellent. I now have a relationship with the bosses that I didn’t have before. Being involved in the project and having their support is motivating. It’s a collaborative effort, and I feel valued. That makes a significant difference.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season
Editor: What are your goals for the 2025 season with Aprilia?
Jorge Martin: The goal is to be competitive from the start. I wont to adapt quickly, help the team develop the bike, and fight for podiums and wins. It’s a new chapter, and I’m ready to make the most of it.The journey with Aprilia is just beginning, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
Conclusion
Editor: Thank you, Jorge, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that you’re approaching this new chapter with confidence and determination. We wish you all the best with Aprilia.
Jorge Martin: Thank you! I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Stay tuned for an exciting season.
Key Highlights of Jorge Martin’s Move to Aprilia
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
New Team | Aprilia Factory Team |
Teammate | Marco bezzecchi |
Contract Duration | 2025 and 2026 |
First Test | November 19, 2023, in Barcelona |
Upcoming test | Sepang Circuit, February 2025 |
Bike Transition | Initial tests on RS-GP, later switching to RS-GP25 |
Key Quote | “Now I don’t feel pressure, I feel responsibility.” – Jorge Martin |
Jorge Martin’s journey with Aprilia is just beginning, but his confidence and determination are already setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned as the world champion continues to make waves in the MotoGP world.