Aprilia has announced the acquisition of VR46 Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi on a two-year contract from 2025.
Marco Bezzecchi will form a formidable partnership with current championship leader Jorge Martin at the Italian marque.
His successful three-year stint with VR46 Ducati has earned him three race victories and third place in the championship in 2023.
Reports stated that Bezzecchi was hoping to climb the Ducati ladder, despite rejecting a Pramac GP24 option for this current season.
He chose to remain loyal to the VR46 Ducati despite having a year-old machine at his disposal, but his career path took a drastic turn when factory Ducati chose Marc Marquez for 2025.
Bezzecchi has endured a turbulent 2024 campaign thus far, sitting 11th in the championship but assembled a podium finish in Jerez. He currently is two places behind team-mate Fabio Di Giannatonio in the standings.
The Italian rider, due to sharing the same nationality, perfectly fits the description of what Aprilia was looking for to complete its rider line-up.
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola expressed his delight in acquiring Bezzecchi’s signature, stating: “Welcome aboard to one of the best Italian talents, who has demonstrated his worth from his debut in the lower categories and especially last year in MotoGP, with outstanding performances and even breakaway victories.
“We can’t wait to embrace Bez in Noale; the Italian bike and Italian rider duo are extremely exciting, but even more so is the rider pair which will be formed with Jorge. We are really happy with our line-up for 2025, Martín and Bezzecchi were our first choices for their age, talent, grit, and determination. With them we can write a new and important chapter in the history of Aprilia Racing.”
Incumbent rider Aleix Espargaro announced his retirement prior to his home Grand Prix in Barcelona, whereas team-mate Maverick Vinales departed to Tech3 GasGas for 2025.
