Aprilia admit “Ducati decide” how silly season plays out
Ducati’s decisions allowed Aprilia to operate in the equestrian market, as the team itself admitted. The MotoGP rider line-up for 2025 will feature George Martin at Aprilia after being transferred by Ducati. Gresini’s Marc Marquez was named to the Ducati factory team, rather than Pramac’s Innea Bastianini or George Martin. Looking keen, Aprilia has filled the bike for next season after Aleix Espargaro’s retirement. Maverick Vinales’ future is uncertain as his contract is expiring.
Aprilia was heavily linked with Bastianini’s recruitment before confirming Martin. If you miss Vinales, you can still consider Bastianini. Max Biaggi, MotoGP legend and now Aprilia ambassador, assessed the situation.
“I’m very sad that Alex is leaving, because he’s been part of the Aprilia family for a long time,” Biaggi told TNT Sports. “Italian riders on Italian bikes are really ambitious. I think there is a big chance that maybe this will happen. But again, depending on how Ducati plays, this market will decide. It seems very crazy.”
After signing Martin to replace the retired Espargaro, Aprilia must decide what to do with Vinales. If Vinales is tested by another team, Bastianini could be attacked by Aprilia, which would allow him to move to another factory team without landing on a satellite team.
Aprilia knows Vinales has a beloved bike, especially after winning three sprint victories and the American Grand Prix. The Italian manufacturer has established itself as Ducati’s closest challenger, recently surpassing KTM.
If Marco Bezecchi or Fabio di Giantantonio choose to leave the VR46, they could fulfil Aprilia’s dream of becoming an Italian rider. With Espargaro’s retirement and the uncertainty surrounding Vinales, Aprilia is in a strategic position to shape its driver line-up for 2025.
The MotoGP rider market is particularly volatile this year, with several high-profile changes. Ducati’s decision to bring Marquez to the factory team opened up the opportunity for teams like Aprilia to sign a talent like Jorge Martin.
In the year During the 2024 season, speculation about driver activity for 2025 continues to grow, keeping fans and pundits anticipating every announcement and decision. The way Ducati decides its moves will have a huge impact not just on its own team but on the entire grid, influencing the strategies of other major teams such as Aprilia.
