Massimo Rivola makes ‘explosive’ claim about Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi at Aprilia MotoGP launch

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Aprilia will have an all-new rider pairing in the 2025 MotoGP season as they poach two satellite Ducati riders.

One of the biggest moves in the 2025 rider market was Aprilia’s signing of Jorge Martin. The Spaniard became the first independent team rider to win the championship in 2024 with Pramac.

The 26-year-old had been meant to take the second factory Ducati seat next to Francesco Bagnaia – whom Martin beat to the title last year by 10 points.

But the Bologna-based outfit opted to sign Marc Marquez, despite Martin being told the Ducati seat was his. Subsequently, the 26-year-old left the manufacturer entirely to become a factory Aprilia rider.

Martin will be joined by fellow Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi at the Noale-based team. The Italian parted ways with VR46 after a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Massimo Rivola expects a lot from ‘explosive’ Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi at Aprilia

In Martin and Bezzecchi, Aprilia boast a strong rider pairing for the 2025 season. The duo are proven winners in MotoGP, particularly the former who is the defending champion.

The latter will be looking to improve his fortunes after finishing 12th in the standings last season with one podium finish. Bezzecchi admits he was surprised Aprilia signed him, but he is looking to take the chance the team have afforded him.

However, he – and Martin – will be under pressure to deliver the results. Speaking with GPOne, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has high expectations for the team’s ‘explosive; riders in 2025.

“The pairing is explosive. They are two talents and two incredible characters, in fact the riding reflects the personality of both of them,” he said.

“I expect a lot from both of them, not only from Jorge but also from Marco, since he sowed amazing things in 2023 and we have to recover that stimulus”.

Can Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi be competitive with Aprilia in 2025?

Aprilia were the only team other than Ducati to win a race in 2024. Maverick Vinales secured victory in Austin while the Bologna-based manufacturer won 19 out of the 20 Grand Prix.

Rivola and the rest of the team in Noale will be looking to grab more victories in 2025. Aprilia unveiled their 2025 challenger on Thursday, with Martin and Bezzecchi excited for the season ahead.

Martin will sport the number one on his bike, switching out his traditional number 89 after winning last year’s championship. This will add pressure for the Spaniard given that Aprilia may have paid Martin extra to have the number one on his bike.

But Martin says he cannot win the title in 2025, focusing his attention on 2026. The Aprilia machine is not as strong as the Ducati, but the Spaniard will be determined to fight at the front.