Jorge Martin Reveals His 2025 MotoGP Title Favourite: A Surprising Choice

Jorge Martin, source : Motorsports

Jorge Martin, the defending MotoGP champion and first-time winner of the premier class in 2024, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2025 season. In a surprising revelation, Martin didn’t pick himself as the title favorite. Nor did he choose Marc Marquez, a move that might upset Marquez's massive fan base, who are hopeful that his switch to Ducati’s factory team could reignite his quest for a ninth world championship.

Instead, Martin singled out Francesco Bagnaia, the 2022 MotoGP champion, as the rider to beat.

Bagnaia and Marquez: The Favorites

“Right now, I see Pecco [Bagnaia] as a favorite with Marc [Marquez] very close,” Martin told AS in a recent interview. “But then, who knows? I would put myself in the top three to fight with them in some races. In others, I may struggle more. The important thing is to improve and keep taking steps forward.”

Martin’s acknowledgment of Bagnaia and Marquez as his main rivals for 2025 reflects the formidable competition he will face. Both riders are on Ducati's factory team, widely regarded as the strongest bike on the MotoGP grid. With Marquez joining Bagnaia in Ducati’s garage, the team boasts a pairing that combines Marquez’s unparalleled talent and experience with Bagnaia’s recent success.

Martin’s Move to Aprilia

Jorge Martin enters the 2025 season as the reigning MotoGP champion but with a significant change: he has moved from Ducati’s satellite Pramac team to Aprilia. This transition presents a fresh challenge for Martin as he adapts to a new bike while defending his title.

Martin’s path to the 2024 championship was remarkable, as he managed to outperform Ducati’s factory riders while riding for their satellite team. Despite this achievement, Ducati passed over Martin for a seat on the factory team for the second time, opting instead to sign Marquez.

Speaking about Ducati’s decision, Martin expressed no bitterness. “Ducati, in the end, gave me the opportunity to get to MotoGP, and not only that, but they have always trusted me,” he explained. “They gave me very good contracts and a very competitive bike. Especially in these last two years, I had the same equipment as Pecco [Bagnaia] and Enea Bastianini, and I’ve been able to beat them on track. That’s what matters most.”

Ducati's Dominance and the Era of MotoGP

Martin remains realistic about Ducati’s continued dominance in MotoGP. “I still see a Ducati that is superior to other brands,” he said. “And I’d also say they have a great team with Pecco and Marc. In the end, there will be a lot of titles in that box. But who knows?”

Reflecting on the cyclical nature of MotoGP, Martin observed: “MotoGP is about eras. There was a Yamaha era, a Honda era, a Ducati era... and who knows if the next one will be another era.”

Martin’s acknowledgment of Ducati’s strength underscores the challenge he faces at Aprilia, a team that has shown promise in recent years but still lags behind Ducati in terms of consistency and performance.

The Psychological Burden of Winning a Championship

For Martin, winning the 2024 MotoGP championship was not just a career milestone but also a personal triumph. He admitted that, before securing the title, he had been plagued by the fear of retiring without ever achieving his ultimate goal.

“It was a thought I had, but now I’m never going to have it again,” Martin said. “I panicked at the thought: ‘Damn, if I retire one day and I haven’t won a world championship...’ It was like I hadn’t fulfilled what I set out to do.”

He described the emotional toll of wrestling with this fear. “It hurt me to think about it before. There are times when you suffer from thoughts about things before they even happen, and sometimes they become reality.”

Martin revealed that he had to actively change his mindset to overcome this mental hurdle. “I tried to think positively, like, ‘You’re going to get it. You’re going to get it.’ And in the end, I did. It’s one less doubt to carry now.”

The Road Ahead

As the 2025 season approaches, Jorge Martin faces a unique set of challenges. Transitioning to a new manufacturer in Aprilia while competing against the powerhouse Ducati factory team will test his adaptability and resilience.

While he acknowledges that Bagnaia and Marquez are the favorites for the title, Martin remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest level. His determination to continue improving and his belief in Aprilia’s potential suggest that he will not relinquish his crown without a fight.

“I know I’ll suffer in some races and be stronger in others,” he said. “The key is to keep improving and making progress.”

Conclusion

Jorge Martin’s reflections on the upcoming MotoGP season offer a glimpse into the mind of a champion determined to defend his title while navigating new challenges. By identifying Bagnaia and Marquez as the riders to beat, Martin has set the stage for what promises to be an intensely competitive season.

With Ducati continuing to dominate and Aprilia looking to make strides, the 2025 MotoGP championship will likely be a battle of both machinery and mental fortitude. For Martin, the journey ahead is as much about personal growth as it is about winning races, and his story will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling narratives of the season. 

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