In 2025, Jorge Martin - the future benchmark of the Aprilia Racing team - will be starting a new chapter in his career.
After becoming the first rider to win a MotoGP title with a satellite team, the Spanish champion will be fulfilling his dream of competing for an official team, riding the Noale-based manufacturer's RS-GP.
It wasn't exactly Martin's first choice, since he aspired for a future in Red but ended up having his path barred by Marc Marquez, who'll be joining Francesco Bagnaia on the official Ducati team for the next two years.
The decision to bet on the eight-time world champion for the near future, instead of the reigning champion, was decided in Borgo Panigale.
That was one of the topics Wayne Gardner spoke about in an interview with the Spanish magazine Motosan.
"I wasn't surprised. To be honest, if it were me, I would've probably stayed with Jorge. But Marc is a very talented rider.
There's no doubt about that," the 1987 500cc-class World Champion noted, not very surprised by the Bologna-based manufacturer's move.
"I think Ducati made sure to take Marquez out of the competition. It's better to work with them than against them. They know how good Marc is.
He seems to have improved a lot since he's been with Ducati," he added. "He had problems with the Honda, and that's why he fell so many times.
He still does, but now he's a bit more consistent, and I guess it's because the bike is much better.
But, from Ducati's point of view, they couldn't risk having Marquez on a rival team. It's better to put him in theirs, so they know they'll win next year with Pecco or Marquez.
Now Martin will move to Aprilia. I think he'll be incredible on that bike. Actually, I think it's going to make the championship even more interesting."
The former Australian rider has nothing but words of praise for the defending champion and his feat.
"He's always been a great talent. He's had ups and downs over the years but, since he joined Ducati and its satellite team, his approach has improved a lot.
Pramac is a very good team, almost like a factory team," Gardner analyzed. "This year, he rode well, he had a factory bike, and, between him and Pecco, there's not much difference.
I think Pecco is probably the faster of the two, but Jorge was maybe a bit more solid in riding. We all thought one of them was going to win the championship, and they came in first and second.
Martin was a bit more consistent than Pecco but, when the bike wasn't going well, he was able to control himself and get points.
As they say, 'points are rewarding.' So, he was crowned champion and he deserves it. He did a great job."
