More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Martin to Aprilia: the end of test bombshell!
Monday, 03 June 2024
Whether the so-called “Ducati decision” of who to sign as Francesco Bagnaia’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) teammate for 2025 had been made behind the scenes already, the answer as to who it’s not has now already been announced… and by Aprilia Racing.
In a lightning-quick sequence of post-test events, the Noale factory teased an announcement for 18:00 local time just 15 minutes before launch and got the sport instantly buzzing. Was it a true teaser? A joke? Or one of the biggest rider announcements of the year?
The latter. Their announcement confirmed Jorge Martin, currently with Prima Pramac Racing, as an Aprilia Racing rider from 2025 on a multi-year contract. Decisions have now not only been made but also announced for some of the biggest moving parts in the spiciest MotoGP™ “silly season” for some time.
MASSIMO RIVOLA: QUOTES
How happy are you to sign Jorge?
“I am obviously super happy, I cannot talk about the details but I can tell you that it was a very fast deal from last night to today. We signed at 17:30 and announced at 18:00 so it was a fast decision and move for us but I am super happy to have him onboard.”
How much of an influence did Aleix have in the signing?
“You know that Aleix and Jorge are like brothers and since Aleix decided to retire which we initially agreed would be decided at Mugello, but with it being his home race in Barcelona he would [like] to announce it before, which was super nice and emotional. After that, I started to look at the rider market in the paddock and many managers naturally knocked on my door but I think we got the best solution.
What are Maverick’s feelings for next year?
“As I said Maverick is a big part of the puzzle and he is a big priority to me but unfortunately everything was so tight and done in a rush that I wrongly didn’t find the time to speak to him, as I said we had from 17:30 to 18:00 to organise everything before the media which was not enough. Let’s see if he is happy to stay with us and then we will find a good condition to keep him happy. If he is not then we will see what the market offers and maybe we will find another good rider, but we are obviously thinking about Maverick and Jorge which would be amazing.
Are you in contact with Bastianini and Bezzecchi?
“Yes, absolutely they are all fantastic riders but let’s see as our priority is Maverick.”
How nice does it feel to take the Championship leader from Ducati?
“It is a very good point and is a nice reward for a company that pushes every year for growth, to increase performance, and to fight the top riders and manufacturers and we are really happy that we signed a rider like him. Maverick a couple of years ago took on this challenge when we were not in this position and now thanks to him we are in this position. We need to be grateful for the job which has been done by the company and also the riders.”
How do you think Jorge will adapt to the bike and the team?
“I think we are recognised as a good team that people feel well and riders feel great. His adaption will be a question mark but I don’t think it will take long with his riding style and level of talent.”
Does Martin signing sway Aleix Espargaro’s decision to stay as a test rider?
“It is a good point but I think Aleix would like to have a different challenge. He is a part of our history and we are grateful for that, so maybe he will find a better challenge for the future and we wish him the best.”
Mugello Test: rain affects play as Binder, Acosta and Marini lead the way
A damp Monday after the Italian GP hampers testing in Tuscany, with KTM and Honda sharing the top five
Following overnight rain and showers throughout the day, running at the MotoGP™ Mugello Test was limited. 16 of the 23 riders set lap times, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder fastest with a 1:47.617 – 0.033s quicker than Pedro Acosta’s (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) best effort. Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) completed the top three as RC16s and RC213Vs locked out the top five.
RED BULL KTM – RED BULL GASGAS TECH3
It’s good that Binder topped the timesheets because that gives us the perfect excuse to kick things off with – arguably – the most notable update we spotted at Mugello. The Pierer Mobility Group bikes had new aero on them, the same as they had in the Jerez Test, with the update essentially sheathing the full side fairing, now making it a completely smooth surface. Head over to the MotoGP™ Tech Group on Facebook for more information on the new aero.
Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was P4 and clocked the second highest lap tally (32) with Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) only getting a wet weather lap time on the board in P13.
REPSOL HONDA – CASTROL/IDEMITSU HONDA LCR
Marini ended the day P3 on the timesheets, with the Italian lapping a table-topping 40 times in the differing conditions. Reports from the ground suggest there was nothing much new to report in terms of new parts on the HRC machines that we didn’t see at the Italian GP, with the weather curtailing every manufacturer’s plans. Ergonomics-wise, Marini was spotted trying a new tank cover as he attempts to get comfier on the RC213V.
Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) said a new engine was going to be tested, but one that is only a slight change to the current one. The Spaniard suggested Honda are seeking to have a new engine ready for July, so keep an eye on that in the coming weeks.
Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) and Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda LCR) racked up 58 laps between them, neither managed any dry running though.
APRILIA – TRACKHOUSE
Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was the top RS-GP rider in P6, with both his and teammate Aleix Espargaro’s bikes looking like they were standard-spec. Not much to report from the Noale camp.
In the Trackhouse Racing garage, Raul Fernandez had one 2024-spec RS-GP but the Spaniard completed just six laps on Monday. On the other side of the garage, Miguel Oliveira also clocked six laps on a quiet day for the American outfit.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA
With a private test coming up soon in Valencia, both Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo lapped less than 20 times on Monday, with neither going out when the track was dry.
More work will be done at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo for Yamaha ahead of our trip to Assen at the end of this month.
DUCATI LENOVO – PRIMA PRAMAC – GRESINI – PERTAMINA ENDURO VR46
The only two Ducati riders to roll out of pitlane and set a lap time were Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The Italian and Spaniard were P15 and P16 on the timesheets respectively. Still, a couple rolled round, including Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). Fresh from their 1-2, neither Ducati Lenovo Team rider did.
So that’s it from Mugello. The Cathedral of Speed is where we’ll see the MotoGP™ stars next on track between the 28th and 30th of June – see you there. By then, we might have even more of the 2025 puzzle revealed!
