‘Super unfair’ if Martin doesn’t get his ‘dream ride’ at Ducati

Current points leader Martin and eight-time world champion Marc Marquez have emerged as the leading candidates to partner Francesco Bagnaia at Ducati in 2025, with Enea Bastianini unlikely to get a contract extension after his current contract ends. two years.

Martin de Pramac has boosted his chances of promotion within Ducati with a string of outstanding results in the first five races of the year, with victories at Portimao and Le Mans putting him 38 points clear at the top of the standings.

But riding with Ducati in the factory is far from certain and the Spaniard has made it clear that he will move to another manufacturer if he is not chosen to replace Bastianini.

Should such a situation arise, Aprilia could become a potential destination for the 26-year-old rider, with a vacancy within the Noale brand following Thursday’s announcement of Espargaro’s retirement at the end of 2024.

But while Espargaro says he would love to see Martin win races with Aprilia, he believes last year’s runner-up deserves the most competitive seat on the current grid at Ducati.

“Of course (Aprilia) is a good team and a good bike, but it’s not fair (for Martin),” he said. “Jorge deserves the bike of his dreams, which is the factory Ducati.

Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

“If he can’t have it, for me (him joining Aprilia) it would be very unfair.

“But yes, it (Aprilia) would be a very good option and it would be incredible to see Jorge win a title or win races with the No. 41 bike.”

Espargaro will bring the curtain down on his MotoGP career after the Valencia Grand Prix in November, having already hinted that his current contract with Aprilia will be his last.

The Spaniard has played a vital role in Aprilia’s transformation from a perennial latecomer to a winning force in MotoGP, with the RS-GP now considered one of the most competitive bikes on the grid.

He will leave the Grand Prix with at least three victories and 11 podiums to his name, figures which arguably do not do justice to his skills and talent.

Insight: How Espargaro ‘silenced many mouths’ during his MotoGP underdog career

Espargaro will be 35 when he competes in his final MotoGP race, but he believes the way he got out of bed in Barcelona on Friday morning justified his decision to hang up his helmet.

“Yesterday was an incredible day, one of the best days of my life,” said Espargaro, who announced his retirement at a special press conference on Thursday.

Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Team

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

“And this morning when I woke up, the first thing that came to my mind was ‘you made the right decision.’ I woke up super happy, super relaxed, big relief.

“I was having breakfast with Max (Espargaro, his son) at the campervan and it was like home, normal. And normally, it’s not always like that. You always think.

“So this morning I was very relaxed and I was also riding the bike very relaxed. So I’m glad I made this decision.