In a stunning turn of events, Aprilia has announced the signing of Jorge Martin for the MotoGP 2025 season, marking a significant shift in the rider lineup across several teams. This move comes as Ducati makes a bold decision to secure Marc Marquez for their factory team, leaving Martin to seek opportunities elsewhere. Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini is set to join KTM, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
Jorge Martin Joins Aprilia
On Monday evening, Aprilia surprised the MotoGP world by announcing Jorge Martin as their new rider for the 2025 season. Martin, who has been a standout performer for Pramac Ducati, signed a multi-year deal with Aprilia after a late-night consultation with Piaggio boss Michele Colaninno. Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola expressed his excitement, stating, “Jorge’s trajectory is one of unyielding progress. He is a cornerstone in our quest to achieve the ambitious goals we harbor at Aprilia Racing.”
Martin’s move to Aprilia was precipitated by Ducati’s decision to prioritize Marc Marquez for their factory team. Martin, unwilling to remain in a satellite role, chose to join Aprilia, where he will replace the retiring Aleix Espargaro. “I tried to ensure that Marc couldn’t catch me, because I was expecting anything from him,” Martin said, reflecting on his competitive spirit and strategic mindset.
Marc Marquez to Ducati
With Martin’s departure, Ducati has all but confirmed Marc Marquez’s move to their factory team for 2025. Marquez, who had previously rejected the idea of racing for Pramac with factory-spec equipment, will now join Francesco Bagnaia at Ducati. This decision underscores Ducati’s commitment to retaining one of the sport’s most marketable and successful riders. “Pramac is not an option for me,” Marquez had stated firmly, leading to Ducati’s swift action to secure his services.
Enea Bastianini to KTM
Enea Bastianini, another key figure in the MotoGP paddock, is set to join KTM for the 2025 season. His manager, Carlo Pernat has already confirmed the move from Ducati to KTM. Pernat explained to Radio1 Rai and confirmed the move, stating, “Enea will ride an official KTM next year.” Bastianini is expected to join the Tech3 team, which has been competing under the GasGas label since 2023. However, it is anticipated that the GasGas name will be phased out, with all four KTM bikes competing under the KTM brand.
Implications for Ducati and the MotoGP Grid.
Ducati’s decision to let go of both Martin and Bastianini has significant implications for the team’s structure and strategy. The potential loss of the Pramac team to Yamaha further complicates Ducati’s position, leaving them with only the VR46 and Gresini teams as customer outfits. Despite these changes, Ducati will still field the most bikes on the grid, maintaining a strong presence in the championship.
As the MotoGP paddock prepares for the 2025 season, the reshuffling of top riders promises an exciting and unpredictable championship. Martin’s move to Aprilia, Marquez’s return to a full factory role at Ducati, and Bastianini’s switch to KTM are set to redefine team dynamics and rivalries. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the competition and whether new alliances will lead to fresh successes on the track.
