Espargaro Sheds Light on KTM’s MotoGP Ambitions and the Complex Debate Over ‘Better’ Riders

"Jorge Martin was aware of the KTM opportunity; it's likely Marc Marquez was also presented with it," remarked an insider. "However, when it comes to being a superior rider, we should tread lightly on that subject…"

Pol Espargaro is of the opinion that Jorge Martin or Marc Marquez might have been potential additions to KTM for the upcoming season.

The roster for the 2025 MotoGP season is being finalized as Marquez clinched the coveted Ducati team position, causing Martin to move over to Aprilia.

KTM has announced that Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta will race for their factory team, while Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini will join the revamped Tech3 team, equipped with factory-level bikes.

"Espargaro, KTM's test rider, mentioned to Motorsport that Jorge Martin had the opportunity to ride a bike from the Pierer Mobility Group."

He has received a proposition allowing him to ride a [KTM].

"Likely, just like Martín experienced it, I'm merely discussing it, Marquez and other leading riders have probably gone through it as well."

"Put simply, it indicates that the manufacturing entity is placing its wager, aiming to back leading competitors."

KTM has maintained that they never engaged in substantial discussions with Marquez, who similarly minimized any interactions.

Pramac's Martin is at the forefront of the MotoGP standings as the series heads into the upcoming race in Assen the following weekend.

Manufacturing standout and winner Pecco Bagnaia trails Martin by 17 points.

Gresini's Marquez, riding last year's model, currently holds third place, 35 points behind Martin.

Espargaro remarked, "Determining who excels between Jorge Martin and Marquez is challenging, given Marc is on an older model. It's hard to say who has the upper hand."

"We discuss who is the greatest based on the number of championships won, not necessarily on superior riding skills."

"Perhaps if Bagnaia were to switch to a KTM, he could begin to secure victories, or he might end up like Jack Miller, who, despite having won on a Ducati, didn't achieve the same success when he switched teams."

"Consider the case of Luca Marini, who, after achieving podium finishes with Ducati, switched to Honda and has since found himself at the bottom of the race standings, a stark contrast to his success with Ducati."

"Has Marini's performance as a rider declined this year? In my opinion, it hasn't."

"Has Alex Rins' skill as a rider diminished since his victory with Suzuki? I wouldn't say that's the case."

"Hence, determining whether a rider has improved or declined in performance proves to be quite challenging."

I concur that he makes more money, possesses more accolades, excels in media representation, and outperforms in commercial aspects.

"However, claiming someone is a superior rider? That's something we must approach with caution…"

Espargaro asserted that KTM is on the brink of having the top racer in MotoGP.

"Is Brad Binder equipped with the same resources as Pecco at the moment? Certainly not," he stated.

"Did Pecco have access to the same equipment as Pedro Acosta currently does?"

How would Pedro Acosta fare riding a Ducati?

"Manufacturing facilities are pushing their limits to top the leaderboard, and I firmly believe that KTM will eventually match Ducati's level of achievement."

"We discuss the top cyclists based on their championship wins, as one would expect, but…"

"Is it accurate to say they're the top competitors? For instance, is Pecco outperforming Pedro Acosta at this moment, considering his achievements with GasGas?"

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