When the double announcement was made that Marc Marquez had been chosen by Ducati for 2025, but that he signed with Aprilia alongside Marco Bezzecchi -who also left the Borgo Panigale factory - there was a feeling in the MotoGP paddock that the classic "make it or break it" situation for Jorge Martin had just arisen.
They type that usually arises when there are unrepeatable opportunities for which one has to throw one's heart over the hurdle in an attempt to win.
By accepting the panadering of the Noale brand, the Spanish rider knew he wasn't going to be riding a bike that's as competitive as the one he rode on with Pramac.
Consequently, he did everything he could, and succeeded, to win the 2024 title and leave as a winner.
With the spoils, and some more money in his pocket, he transferred from Emilia Romagna to Veneto with the full knowledge that, confirming himself on the top of the world, will be a real feat.
"If I had continued with Ducati, the goal would've been the same, which is to give it my all and aim for success.
But now I have no idea, because I don't know what the bike will be like," he confessed during the Tengo Un Plan podcast.
"The challenge is huge, since I'm getting on a low top-ten bike, while leaving one from the top positions," he acknowledged, immediately scaling down his own expectations.
"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."
The second consecutive World Championship has, in any case, the semblance of a mirage.
"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."
