Jorge Martin has shed new light on his complicated relationship with Ducati, revealing that the Italian manufacturer promised him a factory MotoGP seat on two separate occasions but failed to deliver both times.
The Aprilia rider explained that the first missed opportunity came ahead of the 2023 season. According to Martin, he had already signed an agreement that would see him move from Pramac Racing into Ducati's factory team. However, Ducati ultimately chose Enea Bastianini instead, leaving Martin to remain in the satellite squad.
Despite the disappointment, Martin stayed with Ducati and continued to prove himself as one of the fastest riders on the grid. His performances eventually put him back in line for another promotion, with expectations growing that he would finally secure the coveted factory seat for 2025.
That opportunity also slipped away.
Martin revealed that Ducati had again indicated he was set for promotion before changing course and selecting Marc Marquez for the factory team alongside Francesco Bagnaia. The decision came after Marquez made it clear he was unwilling to join Pramac and wanted a direct route into the works outfit.
Source: Crash.net
Reflecting on the situation, Martin suggested the repeated setbacks left him feeling that his future within Ducati was no longer in his own hands. The Spaniard recalled being effectively told that a move elsewhere was not an option, a feeling that contributed to his decision to explore opportunities beyond the Bologna-based manufacturer.
The fallout from Ducati's decision triggered one of the biggest rider-market shakeups in recent MotoGP history. Within days of learning he had missed out on the factory seat, Martin agreed to join Aprilia, ending a relationship with Ducati that had spanned his entire premier-class career.
Ironically, Martin went on to capture the MotoGP world championship before leaving Ducati, becoming the first independent rider in the modern era to achieve the feat. Yet the sense of unfinished business remained, particularly given the promises he believes were never fulfilled.
Now leading Aprilia's charge in MotoGP, Martin appears determined to prove that his success was not dependent on a factory Ducati seat. His latest comments offer fresh insight into why his split from Ducati became inevitable and why the rivalry between rider and manufacturer continues to be one of the sport's most compelling storylines.
