Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin faces a monumental task to defend his MotoGP title in 2025 after moving away from the Ducati setup.
He joins a factory setup for the first time in his career as he attempts to elevate Aprilia Racing to the front of the field.
Martin won the championship by just 10 points from Francesco Bagnaia in 2024, despite taking three victories to the Italian’s 11.
Ducati snubbed him for a factory ride alongside the two-time champion in favour of Marc Marquez, who is hunting down a seventh title in the sport.
Raul Fernandez thinks Martin’s Aprilia move is really important for the manufacturer as his data will go a long way towards helping them improve.
There are only two years before the new regulations arrive in 2027, and the Italian outfit will be looking to learn as much as they can before the grid faces a big shake-up.
Jorge Martin may be getting ‘paid extra’ by Aprilia to run the number one in 2025
Martin claimed his maiden MotoGP title with Pramac last season, after remaining mightily consistent throughout the year.
It has led him to choose the number one for 2025, as he shows off the accolade that can only be earned by champions.
Fans loved Martin’s decision to run the number one at Aprilia, and they might not be the only ones in favour of the decision.
READ MORE: Marco Melandri has ‘heard’ what Ducati told Jorge Martin before signing Marc Marquez for 2025
Aprilia’s sponsors are likely to be in favour of showing it off too, with more interest generated in a bike that runs the number one.
Journalist Gavin Emmett believes that the Spaniard may be getting aid extra by his new team for the honour of running the number.
“There was never any doubt that he was going to run the number one. I would even put a slight wager that he’s getting paid extra to run the number one because he’s really brilliant.”
Why Jorge Martin will struggle to retain his MotoGP title in 2025
Aprilia finished third of the five manufacturers in 2024 but weren;t too far behind KTM for second place.
The Austrian outfit has been hit with financial issues over the winter and could be weakened as a result. It could create an opening for Aprilia to take advantage of.
They’ve signed the current world champion to their ranks, they’ve been steadily improving with both bikes over the last few seasons and now they may be in a position to capitalise.
Maverick Vinales won their only race at Austin last year, but they can expect to add to that tally with Martin in 2025.
If they can bring a few upgrades to their bike and Ducati faces a few problems managing two of the best drivers on the grid in Bagnaia and Marquez, the door could be open still for a title defence.
Aleix Espargaro thinks Martin and Aprilia can win the title and doesn’t believe what they’re saying about their chances. It seems a real possibility.
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