**”Espargaro Enthusiastic as Jorge Martin Joins Aprilia for 2025 MotoGP Season”**

Aleix Espargaro believes that the Aprilia bike will be a great match for the "fierce and determined" Jorge Martin. According to Espargaro, Martin enjoys using the front brake while riding, and since Ducati has had some issues with brake locking, the Aprilia should be more accommodating for his riding style.

Aleix Espargaro expressed his delight at Jorge Martin stepping into his Aprilia position for the 2025 MotoGP season.

Even though Espargaro will start working as a test rider for Honda following his retirement at the end of this season, he played an active role in ensuring his close friend Martin signed with Aprilia.

"I am absolutely thrilled. Next year, my best friend, who is also the championship leader, will be riding my bike," Espargaro stated.

"He was uncertain. He had an excellent alternative. He visited my motorhome. We talked for five hours after the [Mugello] race. He asked numerous technical questions."

"He was clearly very let down by Ducati, which made him quite curious about the human aspect and the dynamics of the team. He noticed my happiness and how much I have enjoyed my time with Aprilia over the years. Therefore, persuading him was relatively straightforward."

"On the Monday morning following the Mugello event, I told Massimo Rivola to get the contract ready because he was on board. Everyone at Aprilia was thrilled."

Having ridden a Ducati for his whole MotoGP career with Pramac, what adjustments will Martin have to make the most when switching to the RS-GP?

"He will be equipped with an extremely powerful bike," Espargaro stated. "It differs from the Ducati. On a Ducati, they rely heavily on the throttle, whereas with the Aprilia, you can apply significant force using the front brake."

Jorge enjoys using the front brake while riding. He's had some issues with the brakes locking on his Ducati, but this should be less problematic on the Aprilia.

He might face more challenges with the engine because the Aprilia isn’t as powerful. However, if you have talent, it’s just a bike with an engine, two wheels, and the need to go full throttle!

Espargaro firmly believes that Aprilia wouldn't have outperformed Martin.

"Top choice. He's the absolute best! Seriously, who else could you pick?" Espargaro remarked.

He’s at the top of the championship standings. He’s frustrated with his manufacturer’s treatment of him. He’s very eager to achieve victory with a different brand. He’s young and a good person. He’s gaining knowledge from the best, including myself! [laughs]

"It seems that both Aprilia and Jorge have been fortunate to have crossed paths."

Espargaro thinks that the changes in rider and manufacturer pairings will create a more level playing field in the championship.

He mentioned that he believes it will be quite fascinating.

"Ducati's decision to choose Marc Marquez, while parting ways with Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini, and Marco Bezzecchi, is a strategy I respect. This move has significantly benefited their competitors."

"KTM will be very powerful. Aprilia will also be formidable, with highly driven riders on both teams. Ducati is set to lose two motorcycles."

“We’re going to level the playing field in the championship.”

Maverick Vinales, who is currently Espargaro's team-mate, will be departing from Aprilia to join Tech3 KTM in the upcoming season.

Martin enters the German MotoGP this weekend holding a ten-point advantage over the current world champion from Ducati, Francesco Bagnaia.

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