Miller loses ride, Martin makes big switch

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: June 4, 2024

Two massive pieces of the MotoGP silly season puzzle were resolved during the Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix, including the future of Australia’s Jack Miller.

Miller appears destined to be dropped from the factory KTM team after just two seasons with the Austrian squad keen to promote flying rookie Pedro Acosta.

With only two points finishes and one top 10, the #43 sits 16th in the championship, 11 spots and 74 points behind Acosta, who has dropped jaws at the satellite Tech3 team.

Whilst many saw this coming, it is a surprise how early in the season it has arrived taking just seven races.

Although Miller was not mentioned in the quotes of KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer, it is understood the Australian won’t be lost to the MotoGP grid, with the #43 expected to make a straight swap to the Tech3 team.

But the big shock came after the race at Mugello when it was announced PRAMAC Ducati star Jorge Martin announced a shock deflection to Aprilia for 2025.

One of the biggest questions of 2025 was where Martin or Marc Marquez will be awarded the coveted factory Ducati ride alongside Francesco Bagnaia.

Martin has been part of the Ducati family since he stepped up to MotoGP in 2021 and has competed all four of his seasons at PRAMAC Ducati.

During this period the Spaniard has risen to be one of the fastest riders in the world and currently leads the 2024 world championship.

But that has not been enough to secure a spot at the top team, with Marquez firming as the favourite now.

Instead Martin has taken the risk to join the factory Aprilia outfit to replace the retiring Aleix Espargaro.

“A path of unstoppable growth, Jorge is a building block to reach the goal we are all looking for with great hunger at Aprilia Racing,” an excited Aprilia CEO Massimo said.

“Thanks to Dr. Michele Colaninno for this opportunity, we spoke last night and without wasting any time we made the decision.”

It means there will be plenty of talking points when MotoGP returns at the Dutch TT on June 28-30.

Image: Gold and Goose

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Miller loses ride, Martin makes big switch

Although Miller was not mentioned in the quotes of KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer, it is understood the Australian won’t be lost to the MotoGP grid, with the #43 expected to make a straight swap to the Tech3 team.

During this period the Spaniard has risen to be one of the fastest riders in the world and currently leads the 2024 world championship.

“A path of unstoppable growth, Jorge is a building block to reach the goal we are all looking for with great hunger at Aprilia Racing,” an excited Aprilia CEO Massimo said.

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