It’s been a topsy-turvy week for Aprilia in MotoGP, from winning the Grand Prix of the United Kingdom to the current world champion confirming he wants to leave the Italian team by the end of this season. Jorge Martin issued a statement clearly saying that he wants to ride for another team in 2026.
With rumour mills working overtime, the latest buzz suggests that Martin is in talks with Honda. After Martin’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi won the grand prix at Silverstone last weekend, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola took to social media and wrote, “The message we want to send Jorge is that the bike is ready for him to win with, too”.
Martin clarifies his future plans
After much speculation, 2024 MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin has confirmed his exit from Aprilia at the end of 2025. A disastrous season start, with injuries from the Qatar race sidelining him, fueled his decision. Martin invoked a performance clause before the British Grand Prix, signalling his departure. Here’s his latest statement on the matter.
Hello everyone,
I would like to share with all the fans, media and people who follow my career a clear explanation about my situation with Aprilia.
At no time have I ever breached the contract. When we signed it, I agreed with Aprilia that, if certain circumstances were not met, I reserved the right to decide my future for 2026. This was an essential condition for me to accept the contract proposal they offered me at that time.
When I made the decision to change manufacturers last year, one of my premises was to have the possibility to test the bike in real circumstances and to understand the team and its working methodology. In this way I could feel comfortable signing for two years instead of one, and so we included that condition.
Faced with the situation of having to make a decision on a date that is established by contract, I have decided to exercise my right to release myself for the 2026 season. I have always done so respectfully, clearly and with the sole intention of taking control of my future as a professional athlete.
What’s next for Martin?
Honda is in discussions with 2024 MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin, with team manager Alberto Puig confirming interest, per Autosport, pending Martin’s resolution with Aprilia. No official offer has been made. A prolonged legal battle over Martin’s performance clause could harm both Aprilia and Martin, leaving it to who yields first.
