Marco Bezzecchi says Aprilia surprised him by doing one thing in 2025 MotoGP rider market

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Marco Bezzecchi will embark on a new adventure in MotoGP in 2025 as he becomes a factory Aprilia rider.

Since stepping up to the premier class, the Italian has been with satellite Ducati outfit VR46. He will be a factory rider for the first time in his career this season with Aprilia.

Bezzecchi joins the Noale-based outfit alongside fellow Ducati rider and defending champion Jorge Martin. The Spaniard left Pramac after Marc Marquez landed the second factory seat next to Francesco Bagnaia.

Ducati told Martin he would get the seat according to Marco Melandri, but the team opted to sign the six-time champion instead.

Now, Martin embarks on a fresh challenge with Aprilia alongside Bezzecchi, but the latter has admitted he was surprised by the team’s movements in the rider market.

Marco Bezzecchi ‘didn’t expect’ Aprilia to sign him for the 2025 season

By his own admission, Bezzecchi struggled in 2024. After registering his best finish in MotoGP the year prior with third in the standings and three wins, he grabbed one podium and finished 12th this season.

Despite his difficulties, Aprilia handed Bezzecchi a two-year contract in June that runs until the end of 2026 – before the new set of regulations come into effect in 2027.

Speaking with Sky Sport Italy, the 26-year-old admitted he was surprised the team offered him a contract. He is looking to take the chance Aprilia have afforded him and ‘make up for’ his struggles in 2024.

“Last year, unfortunately, I struggled and it was a difficult season. I didn’t expect this opportunity to change everything, but both Aprilia and I wanted it,” he said.

“For me, it’s a chance to try to make up for it, obviously the adaptation will be very important. We’ll have to learn to know each other better and create a good relationship in the best possible time, this will allow us to go strong as soon as possible.

“I’d really like to be able to make up for it with this bike.”

Can Marco Bezzecchi compete with Jorge Martin at Aprilia?

Bezzecchi will be up against one of the toughest competitors in Martin as his teammate at Aprilia. Martin will sport the number one on his Aprilia bike this season after winning the 2024 championship.

While Martin does not expect to win the title with Aprilia until 2026, he will be looking to have a strong campaign this season.

Martin’s manager says he is thriving at Aprilia as he is without ‘pressure’ after leaving Pramac. The Spaniard will be gunning to stay at the front in 2025, and Bezzecchi may have a hard time keeping up.

The Italian is desperate to take his opportunity with Aprilia with both hands and improve his fortunes. Whether he will have the bike to compete with Ducati is another question.