The big news from MotoGP didn’t come from the Mugello test, but from the rider market. A sudden change of front overnight, with Jorge Martin signing with Aprilia, where he will take the place of his dear friend Aleix Espargaró. In Noale they almost didn’t hope for it, yet according to those directly involved it was the fastest contract in history..
Sign hastily
The Madrid native, currently leader of the MotoGP championship with the Pramac colours, will wear the colors of the Aprilia Racing Team for the next two seasons. A clearly unexpected move that comes a few days after the news spread that Martin had practically sealed the agreement with Ducati to become Pecco Bagnaia’s partner in 2025. Marc Marquez’s refusal to compete with Paolo Campinoti’s team seems to have been the spark which detonated the market ‘bomb’.
The hypothesis that Marc Marquez could choose another manufacturer would have made Jorge withdraw his previous offer who, tired of the long back and forth with the Borgo Panigale management, would have signed with Aprilia almost out of a fit of anger. A few days earlier there had been a conversation between the pilot and Massimo Rivola, the signing took place in less than 24 hours.
Rivola’s comment
Speaking to MotoGP.com, the CEO underlined the speed and fleeting nature with which the agreement with Martin was reached. It was said “super happy to sign Jorge. I can’t talk about all the details, but I can tell you that it was a rush deal, a very quick one, from last night to this afternoon. In fact, we signed the contract at 5.30pm and announced it 30 minutes later. It was a quick decision on our part, the fastest contract in history“. Probably dictated by the rider’s anger towards the Ducati…”I can only say that I’m very happy that he got it. And if he has rabies it is possible that next year he will go even a tenth faster“, joked Massimo Rivola.
Vinales and Espargaró chapters
Also in this case, as happened in the summer of 2021 with Vinales, Captain Espargaró played an important role. “Aleix and Jorge are like brothers. Since Aleix decided to retire, I started checking the situation on the rider market. Many managers have knocked on my door and I think we have chosen the best possible solution“, added the CEO. After the recent evolutions of the RS-GP, there is optimism with the arrival of the Madrilenian. “We are a good team where the riders get along very well. His adaptation will be a question mark. But knowing the talent he has, his riding style, I don’t think it will take him long“.
Now Aprilia is aiming to renew with Maverick Vinales. The arrival of Jorge Martin could incentivize the Roses rider to stay to carry out a big project. “Maverick is an important part of this family, for me he is a priority. We’ll see if he’s happy to continue with us, if he’s not we’ll have to look for good conditions that make him happy, we’ll try. Otherwise we will see what the market offers us and we will take another rider. But thinking of a Maverick – Jorge super couple would be incredible“.
And regarding Aleix Espargaró, his move to Honda as test rider now seems certain. “I think Aleix wants to look for a different challenge – admitted Rivola -. He made history with us, and we thank him. Maybe he wants to look for a bigger challenge in the future, we wish him the best“.
