Tobias Mühlbauer
Formula 1 & Motorcycle Department
MotoGP and Formula 1, that’s my thing. I turned my passion into my job at MSM and have been there for you ever since when engines roar.MORE
After Martin now Bezzecchi: Aprilia poaches again from Ducati
As the team announced, the VR46 driver signed a contract for several years. The exact term was not disclosed. This means that a big dream has come true for both sides. In 2025, Aprilia will have an Italian as a regular driver for the first time since Lorenzo Savadori in the 2021 season. ‘Bezz’ is now moving up to a factory team, something he was denied due to the large number of stars at Ducati. This means that Aprilia is now using its competitor from Borgo Panigale for its driver pairing.
But while Jorge Martin is currently leading the world championship, Bezzecchi is having a season to forget. Last year’s third place finisher has only made it onto the podium in Jerez. Otherwise, he had great difficulty adapting to the GP23. There is no doubt about his potential, even for Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola: “We welcome on board one of the best Italian talents, who has already demonstrated his worth in the small classes and especially in MotoGP with exceptional performances and victories. We can’t wait to welcome ‘Bez’ to Noale and see an Italian rider on our Italian bike. He will also form an incredible rider pairing with Jorge. With them we can write a great new chapter in Aprilia’s history.”
First MotoGP change for Bezzecchi: Aprilia 2025 with completely new driver duo
For the first time in his MotoGP career, Bezzecchi will be changing teams and motorcycles. Last year he turned down a place at Pramac, but this time a factory team was tempting. His idol Valentino Rossi will now have to look for another rider.
With the pairing of Martin and Bezzecchi, Aprilia has positioned itself at a high level. The only problem for Noale is that they do not have a high-caliber rider with experience on their own bike for 2025. Aleix Espargaro will become a test rider after his retirement, but he is drawn to Honda. In contrast to their competitors from Ducati and KTM, the factory riders may need some time to adjust at the start of the 2025 season.
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