Marco Bezzecchi sees positives and negatives in Aprilia MotoGP debut

Marco Bezzecchi starts strong with P6 in Thailand but faces challenges without Jorge Martin’s data.

Marco Bezzecchi of Italy and Aprilia Racing rides during practice for the MotoGP PT Grand Prix of Thailand at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, on February 28, 2025. Photo by Kaikungwon Duanjumroon/Nur

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marco Bezzecchi made an encouraging start to his Aprilia MotoGP career with a sixth-place finish in the season-opening Thailand Grand Prix. The Italian rider, who stepped up to the factory Aprilia team for 2025, qualified ninth and finished 12th in the sprint before securing a solid P6 in the main race.

After a difficult 2024 season in which he struggled to adapt to the previous year’s Ducati machinery, Bezzecchi’s debut with Aprilia showed significant progress. However, despite the positive result, he acknowledges a key disadvantage—having to develop the RS-GP without the support of injured teammate Jorge Martin.

The impact of Jorge Martin’s absence

Bezzecchi and Martin were expected to form one of the most exciting pairings on the grid for 2025, but the reigning MotoGP champion was sidelined after a pre-season injury. Martin’s absence leaves Bezzecchi as Aprilia’s sole factory rider for now, giving him more influence over the bike’s development but also limiting the data available for improvement.

TNT Sports analyst Neil Hodgson believes Bezzecchi’s situation is both a blessing and a challenge.

“Aprilia made a big statement by signing two incredibly talented riders rather than a clear No. 1 and a weaker No. 2,” Hodgson said. “Bezzecchi was third in the world two seasons ago, but he had a nightmare last year. He never got on with the ‘23-spec Ducati, and he said from the first test that he hated it.

“Now, with Martin out, Bezzecchi gets all the team’s attention and can steer the bike’s development to suit his riding style. They are still experimenting, and he has control over that.”

Data disadvantage could slow progress

While Bezzecchi has the full backing of Aprilia, Hodgson pointed out that the lack of a fast teammate to provide additional data could be a long-term issue.

“Not having a super-fast teammate collecting data is a big negative throughout the weekend,” Hodgson explained. “Ducati has been so dominant because they have eight bikes on the grid, which makes it easier to evaluate things like tyre life.

“With Martin out, Aprilia has fewer data points to work with, and that could slow their progress.”

Ai Ogura shines in Thailand

Despite Martin’s absence, Aprilia still had a standout performer in Buriram—Moto2 champion Ai Ogura. The Japanese rookie made an immediate impression in his MotoGP debut, qualifying fifth and finishing P4 and P5 in the two races.

Ogura, riding for Aprilia’s Trackhouse satellite team, provided a much-needed boost for the manufacturer. While Bezzecchi took on the role of Aprilia’s lead factory rider, Ogura’s performance showed that the brand’s satellite structure could be a key asset in 2025.

As the season progresses, Bezzecchi will need to balance his role as Aprilia’s primary development rider with the challenge of competing at the front. His next test will come at the Argentina Grand Prix, where Aprilia will hope to build on the momentum from Buriram.