Let's talk MotoGP: What hasn't been said about Martin's transfer to Aprilia

The whole world only talks about that. Martin's transfer to Aprilia is the hot topic of the moment, and one that continues to make some major players in the paddock cringe. It's time to flatten everything out, and sit quietly on the thing. So, an analysis is necessary.

 

Preamble – a confusing decision

 

I wanted to make this introduction to recall a general truth. It is impossible to know what really happened between Ducati, George Martin and Marc Marquez. Within the editorial team, we do the best we can to bring you the trends in the paddock and the little rumors in the corridor. This is why this analysis will focus on the sporting compatibility between the two entities, and nothing more.. The relevance of the signature, if you prefer. We only know two things, which will help us later:

1. Ducati really wanted Jorge Martin at one point. He was, initially, the favorite to replace Enea Bastianini
2. Even if he was able to think about the Aprilia track before, everything suggests – notably the words of Massimo Rivola – that everything went very quickly, which, moreover, is corroborated by the announcement of the transfer, which precedes that of Marc Marquez within the factory team. Which is only a matter of time. Martin wanted to take the lead, by hurrying.

 

 

I'm not judging these two elements, but they will be useful to us.

 

I) Is this a good choice?

 

No more nonsense. Let's get into the thick of it.

In my opinion, I think Jorge Martin had a good idea in joining Aprilia and announcing it so early. When I discovered the information, I wasn't so sure, but today I am more convinced. Of course, I will explain why, in several points to remain concise and precise.

• First, go to Aprilia, it marks its emancipation from the Ducati fold. The situation was becoming very painful for Jorge Martin, who had to constantly prove, constantly, to exist in the eyes of the Ducati factory. Already in 2022, it was legitimate to become official, but the Borgo Panigale firm preferred Enea Bastianini – precisely in my opinion. Here again, the length of the negotiations in view of the recent prowess of the Martinator forced him to comply with the Ducati agenda. Not anymore. From now on, he is flying, and can fully concentrate on piloting and the development of his career.
• Next, the motorcycle. Jorge Martin is riding a very good machine, undoubtedly advised by Aleix Espargaro, one of his closest friends in the paddock. I maintain that the Aprilia package is second best on the grid after Ducati, but the riders are underperforming. Espargaro is getting old, and despite everything, is still capable of feats. Next to him, we know the intrinsic talent of Maverick Vinales, but also his irregularity. There remains a driver who was largely beaten by Fabio Quartararo on equal machines, and I do not see Martin less strong than “El Diablo”.
• Also, he clearly becomes number 1 driver; the leader. I hope that his departure will motivate a desire to surpass oneself, to do even bigger, stronger, and to tickle the official Ducatis. Aprilia needed a great rider to take a new step, and I think they found this providential man in Martin. Supported by Vinales, a good lieutenant, I think they could form a great duo, capable of winning very regularly.

 

 

These arguments are sufficient, in my opinion, to justify such a choice without getting into financial considerations of which I have neither the ins and outs. On the other hand, there are some gray areas that will need to be clarified quickly, and here they are :

• The Aprilia RS-GP, although very good, is still well below the Ducati Desmosedici. She has real weaknesses, faults. I think of this clutch which causes its drivers to miss all the starts, even when they start from pole. It was particularly glaring with Aleix Espargaro in Catalonia, and the problem has been going on for over a year. As a result, we can legitimately question the firm's ability to evolve, and also, work ethic, often upset by Espargaro. It sometimes has repercussions on its drivers – the number of retirements linked to mechanics is higher than with all the other teams – which is still problematic in 2024.
• It will undoubtedly require a period of adaptation. All the drivers who discovered it took a little while to understand it, in particular Raul Fernandez who doesn't quite have the RS-GP23 in hand. I also think of Maverick Vinales, who took about a year to find speed on his handlebars. From then on, there could be a first year of getting started, but at 26 years old, in the prime of his career, it is a year of his best period in his career which could go up in smoke.
• And finally, a significant point; it wasn't the first option. Jorge Martin wanted, in fact, to go to another team than this one, namely the Ducati factory team. By definition, it is a secondary choice, and in history, it is true that they more rarely pay off. But after all, this can represent a great source of motivation for the “Martinator”, who will be keen to prove his former employers that they were wrong.

 

 

III- Conclusion

 

For me, Martin's signing with Aprilia is good news for him. I will come back later to what the Noale firm can gain from it. But regarding the Spanish, the simple fact of always being carried away after an exemplary season like the one he has just had, added to the one he is currently having, does not allow him to be totally devoted to his objective.f – and we saw it at Mugello. At Aprilia, he will have a much healthier working atmosphere, and I really think that from his point of view, this is as important now as a good machine on all circuits. MotoGP.

Regarding his equipment between now and the end of the season, I don't think it will differ. Some argue that it will not benefit from the latest developments; and that may be true. However, the season is already well underway, and the GP24 is already going strong. I think – and I could be wrong – that we won't see the difference on the track.

Even if this was not his initial wish, it remains a great base and I congratulate his courage in announcing his departure. before, perhaps, the formalization of another in place of Enea Bastianini.

What did you think of his decision? Tell us in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Jorge Martin