Jorge Martin has officially confirmed that he will carry the prestigious #1 plate for the 2025 MotoGP season, a decision that marks a huge milestone in his career and for Aprilia Racing.
The reigning world champion unveiled his new Aprilia RS-GP25 adorned with the #1 during a team launch event in Milan, Italy, on January 16, 2025.
Jorge Martin’s choice to don the #1 plate not only symbolizes his recent championship victory but also represents a historic moment for Aprilia, as this is the first time their bike will feature the coveted number in the premier class of motorcycle racing.
Since clinching the world championship title in November at the Barcelona test, the Spaniard had kept fans and pundits guessing about whether he would adopt the iconic #1 for the 2025 MotoGP season.
In his statement, Martin expressed his unwavering commitment to the #1 plate, stating: “I have used it all over the place [The #1], I did not have any doubts when using the #1.
“I have been fighting for this all my life so finally achieving the World Championship in MotoGP and being able to put this number on this amazing Aprilia, it is super nice.
“Hopefully we can have much more motivation with this number. I feel great with it and hopefully, we can bring it to the top.”
Jorge Martin went on to discuss his number design which features his usual #89 and two stars inside the gold #1.
“My number has been 89 throughout my career in MotoGP, so I have kept the small 89 inside,” the 26-year old racer explained. “The two stars are because I am a two-time World Champion, in Moto3 and now MotoGP. Hopefully, we can add more stars in the future, but for the moment it is really, really nice.”
The significance of Martin’s decision extends beyond individual achievement; it revives a tradition within MotoGP where champions proudly display their title-winning number.
Jorge Martin joins an elite group of riders who have carried the #1 plate, following in the footsteps of champions like Francesco Bagnaia, who successfully defended his title in 2023.
The rarity of defending the #1 plate is underscored by the fact that only a select few riders have managed to do so in recent history. This includes legends such as Mick Doohan and Wayne Rainey, who dominated their eras.
However, notable riders such as Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez have famously opted not to use it, instead choosing to maintain their iconic numbers.
As Jorge Martin transitions from Ducati to Aprilia, he faces new challenges and heightened expectations. The competition is fierce, with formidable opponents such as Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez riding for Ducati, alongside rising stars like Pedro Acosta on KTM.
After Ducati opted for Marquez over him for a factory seat, Martin’s move to Aprilia was seen as both a risk and an opportunity. He has left behind a competitive environment at Ducati, where he had previously found success, to join a team that is still striving for its first premier-class title.
This transition requires not only adaptability but also a strong commitment from both Martin and his new team to ensure they can compete at the highest level.
“I am super excited by this new challenge, to win with Aprilia Racing,” said Martin. “My goals are very clear; now we must concentrate on being the best version of ourselves – that goes for Aprilia and for me personally.
“I’m in the right place to do great things, it will be an exciting challenge, we are all very determined. I really feel the warmth of being part of this team, and I think that this is the perfect place for me. We are all thrilled to be starting this new season.”
Additionally, Jorge Martin’s new teammate Marco Bezzecchi will be eager to prove his mettle within the team. The dynamics within the paddock are set to create an exhilarating atmosphere as the top-tier riders vie for supremacy in what promises to be a thrilling season.
The anticipation for the 2025 MotoGP season is palpable among fans and teams alike. With the opening round set to take place at Buriram, Thailand on March 2, teams are busy unveiling their new liveries and machinery in preparation for what could be one of the most competitive seasons yet.
