Marco Bezzecchi
As Jorge Martin’s unconfirmed move to Yamaha looms in the background, Carlo Pernat believes he made the decision based on money.
Martin is set to join Yamaha in 2027, making the 2026 season his final year as an Aprilia rider. Martin, who is still one of the best riders in the world, surprised many with this decision.
His expected departure is a huge reason why Aprilia prefer Marco Bezzecchi winning the world title over Martin, as he will be taking the number one bike number to Yamaha if he does win.
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Him being just four points behind his teammate in the championship race has made Martin Bezzecchi’s worst nightmare in the Italian’s quest for a maiden world championship.
But this could also be Jorge Martin’s final season to compete for a world championship, as some believe that his move to Yamaha is the first step to his eventual retirement.
READ MORE: Aprilia mechanics were once ‘ashamed’ of their MotoGP project turning up to race weekends
Carlo Pernat suggest Jorge Martin signed with Yamaha ‘to retire’ with them
In an interview with Fanpage Italia, veteran rider Carlo Pernat was asked about Jorge Martin choosing to join Yamaha in 2027.
Pernat believes Martin assessed his injury issues and long career, and decided that he didn’t have enough to stay competitive in MotoGP, and chose to join Yamaha due to the financial benefits the move brings.
“He did it before anyone else, when he already knew certain dynamics. Put yourself in his shoes: numerous injuries, an already challenging career, and a huge financial proposition.
“It was more of an economic than a technical choice. Yes, he might have some doubts today… but let’s say he’s ‘eating his hands with caviar.’ It’s a bad thing to say, but he’s going to Yamaha to retire.”
While Martin claimed he was better than Bezzecchi very recently, it appears the Spaniard has grown wary of his age and experience in MotoGP.
READ MORE: Aprilia mechanics were once ‘ashamed’ of their MotoGP project turning up to race weekends
You’re a MotoGP team boss and you can either sign Marco Bezzecchi or Jorge Martin
Who would you go for?
Carlo Pernat admits Jorge Martin has edge over Marco Bezzecchi due to experience
Speaking further in the interview, Pernat also acknowledged that Martin’s prior experience winning the MotoGP world championship gives him the edge over Marco Bezzecchi, despite his injury issues.
“Honestly, I didn’t give him any credit… Anyone who says they expected this is lying… Maybe just his chief mechanic, but more out of a question of trust and respect.
“Martin is going really fast and perhaps has a better chance of winning the title than Bez because the Spaniard already knows how it’s done.”
As things stand, Aprilia won’t use team orders for Martin or Bezzecchi until one of them is mathematically eliminated from the championship.
Given the extremely slim points gap between the two riders right now, that is unlikely to happen until much later in the season.
Thus, both Bezzecchi and Martin will be competing aggressively for much of the season, putting Aprilia officials in a tough position.
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