KTM has scored an almost unexpected double blow in the MotoGP rider market. Pierer Mobility has hired Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales, who will race in the Tech3 satellite team, while the official team will include the talented Pedro Acosta alongside Brad Binder. There will no longer be room for Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez, while one seat remains free in the official Aprilia team. The surprises don’t seem to end here…
Vinales leaves a ‘factory’ saddle free
The Noale manufacturer signed current championship leader Jorge Martin the day after the race at Mugello. The Madrid native from the Pramac team, unhappy with the treatment he received from Ducati, did not wait any longer to announce his engagement with Aprilia, after it was clear that Marc Marquez would rise alongside Pecco Bagnaia for the next two years. On the other hand, the Venetian manufacturer will give up on Maverick Vinales and now all the names are out as to who will join Martin from the next MotoGP season. “I have to be selfish and look after my own interests, understand what is best for me if I want to fight for a World Championship. In Aprilia it can be done – declared the rider from Roses before signing with KTM -, but the project still needs time“.
Is Aprilia thinking of an Italian?
Massimo Rivola has repeatedly expressed his desire to have an Italian rider on the RS-GP. Once the attack on Bastianini failed, two names remain in the notebook: Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio. Given Pramac’s move to the Yamaha flag is almost certain, it seems that VR46 will have to host Fermin Aldeguer in his garage in 2025, in exchange for a Desmosedici GP25. A look at the MotoGP World Championship rankings reveals that ‘Diggia’ is the best Italian without a contract for next year and it is no mystery that the Iwata manufacturer is also giving it some thought. Fabio confirmed that there are several options and he could become the ideal candidate for several teams, also because the big fish are now in the net.
Still in Aprilia’s orbit, the Trackhouse team line-up remains to be defined. Joan Mir still remains one of Davide Brivio’s favorites, but the availability of an official saddle can still open up many scenarios. The MotoGP rider market is still open and a race to the bottom will soon begin to join Jorge Martin. In order to remain in the premier class, many drivers will be willing to pay wages almost to the bare minimum…
Photo Aprilia
