Aleix Espargarò takes the side of Jorge Martin: the Aprilia rider exalts his compatriot after Ducati’s choice to focus on Enea Bastianini.

The Italy-Spain derby is quite felt inside the paddock of the MotoGP, where the two nations still represent the hard core of this category of motorsport. In a phase in which the European brands excel in terms of development compared to the Japanese manufacturers, in an era in which the Suzuki brand is about to leave the championship, Ducati and Aprilia play a primary role in this 2022 (even if the leadership is in the hands of Fabio Quartararo with Yamaha).
The Emilian House at the end of August decreed the name of Enea Bastianini to succeed Jack Miller in the factory team from next MotoGP season. It will be the rider from Romagna who will support Pecco Bagnaia, for an all-Italian line up as is the typical style of Borgo Panigale, always attentive and proud of made in Italy. Jorge Martin was guaranteed official treatment identical to that of Bagnaia, both from an economic point of view and in terms of timeliness in receiving updates.
Aleix Espargarò supports Jorge Martin

Bastianini’s choice has thrilled the Italian fans, not the Spanish ones. Including some premier class drivers, such as Aleix Espargarò that the compatriot of the Pramac Racing team would have preferred. Both live in Andorra and sometimes share training on the dirt road: “I would have chosen Martin, but it doesn’t count, because I’m a close friend of Jorge’s and maybe I’m biased“Commented the Aprilia rider on the Motorsport.com podcast. “In my opinion he is more talented. Jorge is a killer, he has a bestial talent“.
At the beginning of the season, the Spaniard was the main candidate for the Lenovo Ducati team, then the three victories of Enea Bastianini in Losail, Austin and Le Mans have upset the balance of the company. The podium at Misano confirmed that perhaps Domenicali, Dall’Igna & Co.’s decision was the wisest. “Personally I think that, in terms of stability and speed, Jorge Martín is the most similar MotoGP rider to Marc Marquez“.
By now the die is cast, Enea will wear factory livery from 2023 and his position seems to be armored also for 2024. Jorge Martin he will continue with Paolo Campinoti’s satellite team, but will have the opportunity to change brands should a more appetizing offer arrive for the 2024 season. Already in the summer he rejected several offers, after this “setback” he might think about changing the air .