Will Jorge Martin, the new MotoGP world champion, dare to wear the legendary number 1 on his new Aprilia motorcycle? This question agitates the paddock and raises many questions. While Ducati, Martin's former employer, seems to taunt the Spanish rider, Aprilia is banking on his talent to overthrow the hierarchy
One of the questions that torments observers is that of number 1. Martin does he intend to wear this emblematic number, synonymous with the reigning world champion? If the Spanish pilot seems hesitant, his former employer,
Ducatidon't hesitate to provoke him.
Davide Tardozziteam director
Ducatilaunched a challenge to Martinsuggesting that it would be difficult to keep this number on a motorcycle other than the Ducati.
The new MotoGP champion, Jorge Martinintrigues fans and the MotoGP community by casting doubt on his decision to adopt the number 1 plate on his RS-GP
Aprilia in 2025. Currently registered under its usual number, 89, the final decision could wait until the team's official launch early next year.
« It's a big responsibility to have number 1.
I don't know yet if I will use it. Few drivers have won again with this number “, he told motogp.com. The comment of Davide Tardozziteam director Ducatihowever, piqued curiosity: “ if Aprilia buys this n°1, we will see if they are able to keep it. »
Jorge Martin :
« If I choose plaque number 1, it's because I deserve it. Even if I don't keep it, I'll have plenty of pictures of myself with this number at home »
A remark that Martin took lightly: “ I laughed when I saw this message before the Barcelona race. If I choose plaque number 1, it's because I deserve it. Even if I don't keep it, I'll have plenty of pictures of myself with this number at home. »
Massimo RivolaPDG d’Aprilia
Racingsupports Martin in his choice: “ It’s totally his choice. There's no pressure. Having the world champion in our team is already a great motivation for us. »
Aprilia has his work cut out for him to offer
Martin a machine capable of competing with the current benchmark, Ducati. Rivola is realistic: “ we need to have a better bike. Martin and Bezzecchi's comments, coming from Ducati, give us a clear idea of areas for improvement. We must work to make our motorcycle more repeatable in terms of performance. »
Martin could join legends like
Eddie Lawson et Valentino Rossi
winning back-to-back titles with two different manufacturers. But the challenge is colossal: Ducati
remains the reference, with a formidable duo made up of
Francesco Bagnaia et Marc
Marquezaccumulating more than ten world titles.
Despite everything, Rival is optimistic:
we believe Aprilia will be closer to the title fight in 2025. Jorge has high expectations, but our priority is to help them understand the bike and close the gap. The challenge is difficult, but we are not giving up! »
With Martin, Bezzecchi et
Fernandez on the track, Aprilia aims for a comeback. The opening test Sepang in February will mark the start of a crucial MotoGP season for the Italian team. All eyes will be on
Martinready to challenge hegemony
Ducati and to write a new chapter in his career.
