Aprilia Aims Higher: Martin's Impact Spurs Reconciliation Efforts

When Jorge Martin confirmed his plans to leave Aprilia despite taking part in just one race weekend The paddock was taken aback by the suddenness of his decision. While there's no denying that the bike has not been as competitive as Ducati's, it came as a surprise considering Martin's limited experience with the Aprilia RS-GP25.

Martin suffered an injury on the opening day of pre-season testing, and his recuperation process was lengthy and challenging. It wasn’t until the fourth round that the Spanish racer returned to the championship. In Qatar, where he encountered yet another accident that caused extended injuries.

The reality is that the reigning champion hasn’t really had much time to properly test the bike and to work with Aprilia’s engineers, nor has he really integrated himself into the team.

However, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola told Spanish newspaper El Pais that he still wants the chance to develop a connection with Martin .

"Following all that occurred at the beginning of the season, the triumph was achieved at Silverstone [for team-mate Marco Bezzecchi "was not just ordinary; it was truly exceptional," stated Rivola.

We expected to start off strong with the first race, but our season has been characterized by Jorge's absence. We've really missed him.

Jorge Martin, Aprilia event at Misano

Photo by: Aprilia Racing

“He would have helped the development of the bike, and would also have accelerated the growth of Marco by being able to compare data, among other things.

"When a rider tells you that he wants to leave, of course it hurts, it's inevitable and it's a human feeling. I can't say that everything is going well, it wouldn't be true. But we are convinced, and we always have been, [that] our bike, with him, can win. At this stage we would have won more races than Silverstone. And I don't want to be naïve, I say it with conviction and with the data in hand.

“Although it's a very difficult situation, I understand what Jorge is going through. When a rider can't ride and is out for so long, he suffers a lot. His mind can think all sorts of things, he may even associate that suffering with the bike, with our team."

Team manager Paulo Bonora shared a similar desire to keep Martin onboard when he spoke to the DAZN media outlet.

“Affection [for Jorge] is indeed the correct term,” stated Bonora. “It’s only natural for the team to have felt such affection. However, I believe the warmth emanating from the audience holds even greater significance. The 20,000 spectators at the All-Stars exhibited remarkable hospitality towards him and clearly expressed their desire for his continued presence among us.”

When queried about the possibility of resolving the issue, Bonora appeared assured that the damaged relationships could be restored.

Read Also: What happens next after Aprilia as the world champion plans to depart? Martin expresses wish to depart from Aprilia for MotoGP in 2026

it can be settled," declared bonora. "we are currently addressing this issue.

It appears rather strange that Aprilia is addressing the matter with great intensity. After all, compelling a rider to participate in a race with a bicycle they dislike offers no benefits to anyone involved.

Obviously, Aprilia will need to work hard to win back the affections of the Spanish rider since the team has shown no inclination toward parting ways with its key athlete.