Reigning world champion Jorge Martin admits he has “no idea” what to expect from Aprilia as he attempts to defend his MotoGP title in 2025.
Martin joins Aprilia on a two-year deal after being snubbed by the factory Ducati team in June last year, despite taking the world championship for the satellite Pramac team.
The switch sees the Spanish rider become the first champion to change manufacturers for their title defence since Valentino Rossi in 2004.
While Rossi went on to dominate that particular season, things look a bit more complicated for Martin as he joins an Aprilia team which could only manage third in the 2024 manufacturers’ championship.
When speaking to Spanish podcast Tengo Un Plan, Martin admitted that it will be a “huge” challenge to retain his world title as he doesn’t know what to expect from the RS-GP.
“If I had continued with Ducati, the goal would’ve been the same, which is to give it my all and aim for success,” he said.
“But now I have no idea, because I don’t know what the bike will be like.
“The challenge is huge, since I’m getting on a low top 10 bike, while leaving one from the top positions.
“If I were to start from fifth place, and finish by winning races or getting a second, I’d be very proud. The important thing, however, is to progress.”
Martin suggested he may have to wait until to 2026 for a chance to win a second world title, but that his ambition for the upcoming season is just to do his best.
“Bringing the Aprilia to fight for the championship won’t be easy, so the ambition for the new season isn’t that.
“The opportunity could present itself maybe as early as 2026 but, for now, I just have to try to do my best.”
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