Does Yamaha have a shot at signing Jorge Martin next year?
Jorge Martin will reportedly have the opportunity to join Yamaha next year.
Currently, transitioning from Pramac Ducati to the struggling Japanese team would mean exchanging MotoGP’s top-performing bike for one of its least competitive.
However, a lot can evolve in a year, and as per Motosprint, Yamaha is closely monitoring Martin’s situation.
The 2023 MotoGP runner-up has twice missed out on moving up to the factory Ducati team and has made it clear that if he isn’t in red in 2025, he will exit the dominant manufacturer in the sport.
According to the report, “In Iwata, they are preparing the budget” to entice Martin to Yamaha.
Yet, Martin is “primarily interested in the bike,” adding extra pressure on Yamaha to enhance the performance of the M1.
Switching from a Ducati satellite team to a factory squad would mean a salary increase, similar to what Luca Marini is reportedly experiencing after moving from VR46 to Honda.
On the flip side, Martin would probably end up on a less competitive bike next season.
However, if Martin is determined to depart Ducati in pursuit of a factory team position, where else would be a logical choice?
Even though KTM and Aprilia have shown better performances than Yamaha and Honda, they still trail behind the year-old Ducati bikes (with the exception of Brad Binder in Qatar).
Ducati has confirmed the arrival of Fermin Aldeguer in 2025, although they haven’t specified which team he will join, with Pramac being the likely destination.
This implies that either Martin or teammate Franco Morbidelli could find themselves without a seat next year.
Aldeguer’s addition to Ducati’s lineup has heightened the competition and possibly prompted other manufacturers to attract riders with experience on the Desmosedici.
Yamaha is well aware of the challenge of retaining their star rider, Fabio Quartararo. There are rumors of Aprilia showing interest in him.
If they were to lose Quartararo, it could open up the budget to secure another prominent rider like Martin.
Yamaha might even have the opportunity for two additional seats in 2025 if they reach an agreement to take over the VR46 satellite team.
VR46, with Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio di Giannantonio as their current riders, are in discussions to remain with Ducati. However, they have not yet finalized any deals, and Valentino Rossi still maintains strong ties to Yamaha.
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