Martín assures that he is not looking for “revenge” against Ducati

Jorge Martín finally got what he wanted. For several years, he tried to convince Ducati to promote him to its factory team, without obtaining satisfaction. At the end of 2024, he left the Pramac brand and team with the world title in his pocket and, two days later, he began his life as an official rider with Aprilia.

This Thursday, for his first official event in his new colors on the occasion of the presentation of the Aprilia RS-GP25, Martín's pride could be seen on his face, but he assures that he has no resentment for his former employer. Yes, he wants to succeed in his bet with Aprilia but, he assures, without the desire to prove Ducati wrong.

“If I take to the track angry or looking for revenge on Ducati, I will be on the ground every weekend”declared the Madrilenian. “You have to be very rational when you ride, knowing very well what you are doing and always trying to be the best version of yourself. I think if I was riding out of anger or more “As much aggression as necessary, I wouldn't be the best version of myself. I don't think about that at all.”

Ducati, “not the right place” for Martín

Ducati put Martín through all the emotions in a few days last year, during the Mugello weekend. He arrived in Italy with the promise of being promoted to the official team, before Marc Márquez's refusal to join Pramac, which ultimately pushed the brand to choose the #93 for its factory team. On Monday evening, Martín was announced by Aprilia, with a contract completed in 24 hours. He now prefers to have fun having left the fold of Ducati with a world title.

“It’s obvious that after I beat them, they’re going to have regrets.”said Martín, pausing before expressing how he experienced his divorce with Ducati: “Before everything that happened at Mugello, deep down I already felt, without knowing why, that [Ducati] was not the right place for me. So I'm very happy with what happened, because that's what led me here, what led me to win the championship and bring number 1 to Aprilia.”

Having barely arrived at Aprilia, Martín knows he is fully supported by his new manufacturer, which was never completely the case when he rode Ducatis for Pramac: “Everyone wants to be appreciated. When I arrived at the factory and saw that everyone was moved to see Marco [Bezzecchi] and me arriving, both of us, it was crazy. I have already felt the love of the factory for us.”

“I already felt that it was my family, I could kill for them. I had never felt that in my life in a factory, for another brand. I am very, very happy and it's a big motivation for all of us.”

Martín sees this positive momentum materializing into action, with several changes implemented to strengthen the manufacturer, such as the arrival of Fabiano Sterlacchini as technical director or the entry of four latest specification motorcycles from the start of the season.

“I think my recruitment is already a clear sign that they are working on a project to win. It is a team that has worked hard, but with my arrival it is certain that they will give even more. We hope also seen with the signing of Fabiano Sterlacchini and many other changes I am sure they will make these progress.

“When I tested the bike in Barcelona, ​​I was able to compare the 2024 to this year's and there was already a big step forward, and now with the work done this winter and during the tests [de pré-saison]we will be closer to the best bikes on the grid.”

With Germán Garcia Casanova