One of the big answers to Silly Season 2025 was officially revealed. The leader of the standings after the Mugello GP event, Jorge Martin has officially moved to Aprilia Racing in MotoGP 2025. The answer to what is called “Ducati’s decision” regarding who will be contracted as Francesco Bagnaia’s teammate (Lenovo Ducati Team) for 2025 is also ready answered by Aprilia’s decision.
In a whirlwind of post-test events, factory Noale made the announcement at 18:00 local time just 15 minutes before launch and sent the sport into an instant buzz with the potential to be one of the biggest driver announcements of the year.
Yep, Aprilia, via its director Massimo Rivola, released their announcement confirming Jorge Martin, who is currently with Prima Pramac Racing, as an Aprilia Racing racer starting in 2025 with a multi-year contract. The decision is expected to open up a lot of the next domino effect from the silly season with the most plot twist of all time.
MASSIMO RIVOLA: QUOTES
How happy are you to recruit Jorge?
“I’m obviously very happy, I can’t talk about the details but I can tell you it was a very quick deal from last night to today. We signed the contract at 17:30 and announced it at 18:00, so it was a quick decision and move for us but I’m very happy to have him on board.”
How much influence does Aleix have in signing the contract?
“You know that Aleix and Jorge are like brothers and since Aleix decided to retire, what we initially agreed would be decided at the same time at Mugello but because Barcelona is his home race he will announce it beforehand and it’s very nice and emotional. After that, I started looking at the rider market in the paddock and a lot of managers were of course knocking on my door, but I think we got the best solution.”
How will the Mavericks feel next year?
“Like I said, Maverick is a big piece of the puzzle and he is a big priority for me, but unfortunately everything was so tight and done in such a rush that I didn’t have time to talk to him, as I said, we have from 17:30 to 18:00 to organize everything in front of not enough media. Let’s see if he is happy to stay with us and then we will find good conditions to make him happy what the market offers and maybe we will find another good rider, but we are obviously thinking about Maverick and Jorge who will be extraordinary.”
Are you related to Bastianini and Bezzecchi?
“Yes, of course they are all fantastic drivers, but let’s see because our priority is Maverick.”
How great would it feel to take the championship lead away from Ducati?
“This is a very good point and a great reward for a company that every year drives growth, improves performance and takes on top riders and manufacturers and we are very happy to have signed a rider like him. Maverick was a partner a few years ago accepted this challenge when we were not in this position and now thanks to him we are in this position. We need to be grateful for the work that has been done by the company and also the racers.”
How do you think Jorge will adapt to the bike and the team?
“I think we are recognized as a good team so people feel comfortable and the drivers feel great. His adaptation will be a question mark, but I don’t think it will take long with his riding style and talent level.”
Did Martin’s signing affect Aleix Espargaro’s decision to remain as test rider?
“It’s a good point but I think Aleix wants a different challenge. He is part of our history and we are grateful for that, so maybe he will find a better challenge in the future and we wish him the best.”
