Jorge Martin is back riding an Aprilia MotoGP bike after making his return to racing at the Czech Grand Prix. But understandably, there is a lot of tension surrounding the Spaniard, given his recent antics.
The Czech Grand Prix was his first public appearance in MotoGP since he announced his decision to leave Aprilia before 2026. Martin was almost in tears at his press conference, as he was bombarded by questions about his future.
Martin activated an exit clause in his contract that would, in theory, allow him to leave if he was not in a competitive position after Le Mans. It was later discovered that the clause was specifically tied to Honda, who were his preferred destination.
Team manager Alberto Puig stated that the Japanese giants would not sign a rider who had a contract, but it was reported that Honda offered Martin a huge contract. But Aprilia stood their ground and insisted the clause was invalid due to the Spaniard’s injuries in 2025.
Massimo Rivola privately warned Honda about signing Martin, as it would be illegitimate per his contract. Unable to reach a compromise, and with the threat of legal action, the 27-year-old surrendered, and Martin will now stay with Aprilia until 2026.
Photo by Hazrin Yeob Men Shah/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThere is ‘no confidence’ in Aprilia keeping Jorge Martin ‘long-term’ after his contract dispute
Martin insisted he is not ‘moved’ by money in MotoGP, despite the large pay rise Honda were prepared to offer. The Spaniard impressed on his return to the premier class, finishing a respectable P7 at Brno while his teammate Marco Bezzecchi came home second.
While Aprilia have secured their star rider until 2026, which is a major boost, many have assessed how long the two parties will stay together. Journalist Valentin Khorounzhiy says there is ‘no confidence’ that the Noale outfit will keep Martin for the long-term.
“There are a lot of people naturally sceptical and correctly so. It was an ugly episode,” he said via The Race MotoGP YouTube channel at Brno.
“If Jorge Martin had got his wish a few months ago, he would have a Honda deal for 2026 now. He would be away from Aprilia, which, it is factually correct to say, he has been kept against his will at that moment in time.
“The thing is that, if this was an extension of this situation, there would be never even any thought, no lip service paid to the idea of this relationship continuing to greater heights beyond the fulfilment of pure contractual obligations in 2026.
“Now, there is no confidence, no certainty, no anything that Aprilia will keep Jorge Martin longer term, how its chances are. But not only has it bought itself time, but again, it’s bought itself the vibes, it’s bought itself the feeling.”
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Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty ImagesHonda already have Jorge Martin lined up as an option for the future
Martin’s short and medium-term future looks promising in MotoGP, as Aprilia have made significant strides forward in his absence.
Bezzecchi has developed the RS-GP25 mostly on his own and has helped turn it into a machine that can challenge Ducati. Martin is set to benefit from Aprilia’s ‘unprecedented’ upgrades, having made huge progress during the official tests.
Aprilia aim to beat Ducati in 2026, potentially giving Martin the chance to fight for another title. However, Honda are still keeping tabs on his situation.
After Luca Marini signed a new contract extension for 2026, it was reported that Honda see Martin as their main target for 2027. The Japanese giants will certainly monitor his situation when his Aprilia contract expires.