In a surprising turn of events, current
MotoGP
championship leader
Jorge Martin
has signed a contract with
Aprilia
as he is set to leave
Pramac Racing
next season. This news comes just weeks after Aprilia veteran
Aleix Espargaro
confirmed his retirement, leaving a factory seat open.
Martin, a 26-year-old Spaniard, has impressed this season. He currently sits atop the standings with 171 points, 18 clear of defending champion Francesco Bagnaia of
Ducati
.
His victories in Portugal and France, alongside three additional podium finishes, highlights his top form which he has carried from last season.
Previously, Martin was considered a frontrunner to replace Enea Bastianini at the factory Ducati team. However, the landscape shifted dramatically when six-time world champion
Marc Marquez
, who joined the Gresini Ducati team this year, announced he wouldn't be taking Martin's spot at Pramac.
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The signing is a bold move for both sides. Martin steps away from a potentially championship-winning Ducati to join a team still fighting for consistent podium finishes. Aprilia, on the other hand, acquires a rider with proven speed and title-contending potential.
With the signing season in full swing, all eyes are now on Ducati. It makes sense for Ducati to rope in Marquez for next season as he has been consistently proving his worth on the GP23 Ducati saddle after leaving Honda following a long period of dismay involving crashes and injuries.
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