MotoGP News: Jorge Martin Sends Sly Jab To Ducati After Losing Seat

Alex Harrington | Jun 28, 2024

Apr 14, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Jorge Martin (89) of Spain and Prima Pramac Racing before the MotoGP Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Jorge Martin recently pivoted from Pramac Ducati to join Aprilia for the 2025 season, marking a significant shift in his racing career. The transition comes after an unsettled period which saw the promising rider consistently overshadowed within the Ducati ranks, climaxing in a surprising team switch that left many speculating about the behind-the-scenes dynamics.

Martin's journey with Ducati has been fraught with missed opportunities and apparent slights, culminating in a pointed decision that diverted him from expected paths. Originally anticipated to join forces with Francesco Bagnaia at Lenovo Ducati, Martin instead found his path blocked by the entry of Marc Marquez into the team, an unexpected twist that steered his career in an entirely new direction.

Historically, Martin has faced multiple instances of being passed over for promotion to Ducati’s factory team, despite being a formidable competitor and a title contender up to the final round last season. This repeated overlooking, notably when Enea Bastianini was advanced ahead of him in 2023, has certainly influenced his recent decisions.

A pivotal moment came during the 2024 Mugello race, initially a favored event for Martin. However, the race not only affected the season's dynamics but also acted as a catalyst for his subsequent transition. Expressing his disillusionment, Martin noted:

“It was an eventful weekend in Mugello. I arrived in Mugello with some ideas, with some information that during the weekend changed a lot... As soon as the race finished I understood that maybe it wasn’t so clear. I had to take a decision.”

Feeling undervalued, Martin’s frustration became palpable as he reflected on his four-year pursuit of a factory seat.

“Sometimes in life things don’t go as you expect or as you want. It was a bit frustrating; not in Mugello but afterwards, because after four years trying to go to the official team I understood that I wasn’t the decision or the best option for Ducati. It was Marc,” he said.

In response to these developments, Martin has chosen to embrace a new opportunity with Aprilia, where he feels his contributions and potential will be more appreciated.

“I took the best opportunity that I could and I think I will be much happier in the next few years where I go. I will also be a factory rider which was my dream. I am going to a place where they really want me and where they will give 100% for me. This is important,” Martin expressed with a jab to his soon-to-be-old team.

Despite the upheaval, Martin remains dedicated to ending his tenure at Ducati on a high note, committing to professionalism for the remainder of the season.

"There’s still a long way to go this season and I’m still a Ducatai rider. I want to be professional and finish the year in the best way possible. For the moment until Valencia Ducati is my home. I will give my 100% to win or give my best to try and win,” he assured.

Ensuring fairness in competition, Ducati has committed to providing Martin with the same level of support and equipment as his teammates, dispelling potential concerns about unequal treatment as he competes against the team's future riders.

“I’m not scared about that. I’m confident that from my side I am a professional rider and am paid by Ducati. I think from their case, they told me that I will have the same material as I have had until now. I’m confident that there won’t be any issues and I can fight with these two guys in fair conditions,” Martin confirmed.

As the 2025 MotoGP season draws near, the motorsport community eagerly anticipates how these changes will reshape team dynamics and whether Martin’s new alignment with Aprilia will indeed fulfill his long-held dreams of racing success as a valued team member.