Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin is setting his sights on a potential title challenge in 2026 after making the bold switch to Aprilia’s factory team. The Spaniard, who clinched his first championship on a Pramac Ducati in 2024, was overlooked for a promotion to Ducati’s factory squad in favor of six-time champion Marc Márquez. Instead, Martin has embarked on a fresh two-year project with Aprilia, leading the Noale-based outfit alongside fellow Ducati exile Marco Bezzecchi.
A Fresh Start with Aprilia
While Aprilia was the only non-Ducati manufacturer to secure a race victory in 2024—courtesy of Maverick Viñales’ triumph at the Americas GP—the Italian brand still finished third in the manufacturers’ standings, amassing just 40% of Ducati’s points. This performance gap has tempered Martin’s expectations for his debut season with the team.
“Leading Aprilia into the title fight will not be easy, so that is not the objective for the new season,” Martin stated on the Tengo Un Plan podcast. “The opportunity could come as early as 2026. But for now, I just have to do my best.”
A Steep Climb Ahead
Martin’s move to Aprilia comes at a time when Ducati has firmly established itself as the dominant force in MotoGP. The Italian powerhouse has secured three consecutive riders’ titles since 2022, with Francesco Bagnaia winning back-to-back crowns before Martin ended Ducati’s factory dominance with his Pramac triumph in 2024.
However, transitioning from a proven title-winning Ducati machine to Aprilia’s RS-GP presents a significant challenge. Martin has only had a single day of testing on his new bike in November and remains uncertain about what to expect when pre-season testing resumes in February.
“The challenge is enormous because I’m going from a bike with which I was fighting for the top positions to one that is in the lower part of the top 10,” Martin admitted. “I have no idea what the bike will actually be like, we’ll have to wait for the February tests.”
Long-Term Vision for Success
Despite the immediate hurdles, Martin’s arrival represents a major statement of intent for Aprilia, which has steadily improved its MotoGP project in recent years. The team’s last full-time championship contender was Aleix Espargaró, who delivered podiums and race wins but struggled to sustain a title challenge across a full season.
With Martin’s talent and Aprilia’s development trajectory, 2026 could indeed mark a turning point for the Italian manufacturer. But for now, the reigning champion is keeping his ambitions in check as he prepares to adapt to his new machine and lay the groundwork for a future title bid.
