Martin chooses #1 for MotoGP title defence as Aprilia unveils 2025 bike

New Aprilia signing Jorge Martin has decided to carry the number one plate on his MotoGP bike after defeating Francesco Bagnaia to the title last year.

Martin announced his decision to use the number plate reserved for the reigning champion during Aprilia’s 2025 MotoGP launch in Milan on Thursday.

The 26-year-old had previously been coy about his race number, as he debated whether to stick with the now-famous #89 on the front of his bike or adopt the more prestigious #1.

“In a month we will know, I have not yet made the decision,” he said in mid-November following his title triumph in Barcelona.

Although Martin won the 2024 title on a Pramac-entered Ducati, becoming the first satellite rider in the MotoGP era to do so, it will be Aprilia that will benefit from the Spaniard’s choice.

The Noale-based brand showcased his new 2025-spec RS-GP to the public for the first time on Thursday, two days after its satellite team Trackhouse held its launch event in the US.

Aprilia is welcoming two ex-Ducati riders to its factory roster this year, with three-time grand prix winner Marco Bezzecchi joining from VR46 to partner star rider Martin.

The decision to hire an all-new line-up comes in the wake of Aleix Espargaro announcing his retirement from active MotoGP duties and Maverick Vinales switching to Tech3 KTM.

Vinales was the only non-Ducati rider to win a grand prix in 2024, having triumphed in the Americas GP, while the duo also won three sprint races between them.

Despite that, Aprilia ended up only third in the manufacturers’ standings, behind not only the dominant Ducati but also KTM.

“The 2025 season represents for Aprilia Racing the beginning of a new era, with the ambition to be protagonists and not mere chasers,” said Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola.

“The objective is clear: to always be competitive, in every race. With two strong, talented and motivated riders as Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, we can build something special. 

“The RS-GP25 has the potential and our task will be to make sure that this is expressed to the maximum in the 22 races of the championship.”