What people within Aprilia are now saying about Marco Bezzecchi after Buriram MotoGP test

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Marco Bezzecchi has had to step up for Aprilia in pre-season testing after the team lost Jorge Martin through injury in Sepang.

Optimism had been high at Aprilia after signing the duo from Ducati satellite teams Pramac and VR46 respectively. But the Noale-based manufacturer suffered a nightmare start to pre-season when Martin crashed violently at turn two in Malaysia.

Martin was taken to hospital after complaining of pain in his right hand and left foot. His fractures have ruled him out of the rest of testing.

Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez was also sidelined on day one with fractures to his left hand and foot. Miraculously, the Spaniard has returned for the Buriram test but Fernandez cannot have a natural position on his bike due to his injuries.

In defending champion Martin’s absence, Bezzecchi has had to take a more important role at Aprilia. The team have had to depend on the Italian to gather data ahead of the 2025 season.

Bezzecchi’s eyes sparkled ‘madly’ after Sepang – suggesting he is currently not one with the RS-GP25. But words from within Aprilia tell a different story.

Marco Bezzecchi has surpassed expectations as Aprilia are ‘absolutely delighted’ with him in testing

On day two in Buriram, Bezzecchi set the fastest-ever Aprilia lap at the circuit. He finished the day just two tenths behind table topper Marc Marquez.

The Italian’s blistering pace is impressive given his limited experience on the RS-GP25. Aprilia have been left ‘absolutely delighted’ by his performance according to Jack Appleyard.

Speaking on MotoGP’s Midday Live show, Appleyard outlined that Bezzecchi had even surpassed ‘a lot of people’s expectations within the team.

“I think a lot of people, looking at Marco and his personality, felt that potentially he was the kind of rider that was there just on instinct, on talent alone and was just able to do something special that other riders aren’t”, he said.

“It’s the polar opposite. He’s a real thinker and his analysis, his feedback has been very precise, very on point, very detailed and Aprilia, I know are absolutely delighted to have him on board.

“And I think he’s even surpassed a lot people within Aprilia’s expectations of what of a rider they’ve signed”.

When is Jorge Martin expected to return to MotoGP action?

While Bezzecchi’s performances are brilliant for Aprilia, the team will be desperately hoping his teammate will be back to full fitness soon. Martin will be an integral part of their operation having won the title last year.

Martin will return for the Thailand Grand Prix which may cause a stir amongst Aprilia’s rivals. Unfortunately, the Spaniard with come into the season with almost no track time in pre-season.

This limited experience on the RS-GP25 could hinder the 27-year-old title defence. However, Martin may have a ‘get out of jail free card’ as he will not be expected to win the first race of the season.

The Spaniard does not think he will win the 2025 title with Aprilia. Martin is targeting a championship challenge in 2026 as the Noale-based team look to close the gap to Ducati.