Thomas Marini stunned the Africa Eco Race in January when he led the bike overall, ahead of the multi-cylinders, on his 450cc Husqvarna. While the race didn’t end as he hoped, his performance caught Aprilia’s eye.

On Thursday, Aprilia Tuareg Racing announced Marini has joined the team. Besides the 2027 AER, he will race full-time in the Tout Terrain Rally Cup, the season opener for the Italian Motorally Championship, and the Addax Rally.

“It was a natural choice: the desire to collaborate was mutual, and the agreement was a logical consequence,” explained team boss Vittoriano Guareschi. “In recent years, Thomas has stood out internationally for his excellent results; we know his value well and are ready to provide him with a competitive Aprilia Tuareg Rally.

“We will start immediately with a test in Riotorto, followed by the first round of the Italian Motorally ahead of our European debut in the Tout Terrain Rally Cup. We are fired up and can’t wait to get started.”

The 2024 Italian Raid TT Champion, Marini made his AER debut in January. Despite being on a significantly weaker bike than the Tuaregs that new teammates Jacopo Cerutti, Marco Menichini, and Francesco Montanari used, Marini immediately made waves when he beat everyone to win Stage 3 (the first full stage of racing after weather overshadowed the opening days). He continued to battle for the overall lead before a mechanical issue took him out in Stage 9.

With Marini’s addition, Aprilia Tuareg Racing will compete in both the Tout Terrain Rally Cup and Italian Motorally Championship with their other riders. Cerutti will pair with Marini in the former while Menichini and Montanari do the full slate in the latter.

“The goals for the season are ambitious: there is a great desire to do well and fight for the lead in every race,” Marini commented. “It won’t be easy, as it’s a new bike for me, but I am certain that together with Team Guareschi we will do significant development work, and they will put me in a position to give 100%.

“I want to thank Aprilia Racing and everyone who made my signing possible. I am sure we will achieve great satisfaction.”

Featured image credit: Aprilia