Jorge Martin sends a message to Ducati: “I'm going to a place where they really want me”

Jorge Martin, as expected, is the rider who sent the 2025 MotoGP rider market into a frenzy when he joined Aprilia from Pramac Ducati.

Set to join Lenovo Ducati alongside Francesco Bagnaia, Martin saw his future called into question when he was overtaken by Marc Marquez.

Martin’s time at Ducati will, in some ways, be overshadowed by the times he was overlooked by the factory team.

Martin, who would like in 2024, seemed ideal to become a factory driver in 2023 before Enea Bastianini was surprisingly promoted ahead of him.

A title contender until the final round of last season, Martin was rumoured to be in contention for the factory seat if he won the championship, but that did not come to fruition.

Then came Mugello 2024 where Martin went from favourite to underdog to Marquez in the space of just a few days.

Frustrated by Ducati’s decision, Martin made it clear that he would go somewhere where he feels valued.

“It was an eventful weekend at Mugello. I arrived at Mugello with some ideas, with information that changed a lot during the weekend.

“As soon as the race was over, I understood that maybe it wasn’t so clear. I had to make a decision.

“Sometimes in life things don’t turn out the way you expect or want. It was a bit frustrating; not at Mugello but afterwards, because after four years trying to join the official team, I understood that I was not the decision or the best option for Ducati. It was Mark.

“I took the best opportunity possible and I think I will be much happier in the next few years wherever I am going. I will also be a factory driver, which was my dream.

“I’m going to a place where they really want me and where they will give 100% for me. It is important.

“There is still a long way to go this season and I am still a Ducati rider. I want to be professional and finish the year in the best way possible.