Jorge Martin is planning to part ways with Aprilia at the end of this season, using a clause in his contract that allows him to leave in 2026 if he doesn’t perform well in the championship standings after the French Grand Prix, as reported by Autosport.
The agreement that was signed between Aprilia and the current world champion last year during the Italian GP does not hold any binding effect for the upcoming season. Apparently, Martin’s representatives included a clause in the contract that gives him the freedom to consider offers from other teams if he doesn’t meet certain criteria after the French GP at Le Mans.
Unfortunately, Martin has been dealing with multiple injuries since winning the championship, which have kept him from participating in most of the races this season. As a result, he hasn’t scored a single point and finds himself at the bottom of the overall standings.
This unexpected turn of events could lead to significant changes in the rider market, considering the initial agreement between Martin and Aprilia. However, the team is not willing to let go of their MotoGP project centerpiece without a fight.
Martin’s injuries have forced him to miss several rounds, with his return to action still uncertain. Despite this, Aprilia is determined to challenge any potential move by the rider to leave the team prematurely.
The current contract situation of most riders limits Martin’s options, with Honda being a possible destination once his conflict with Aprilia is resolved. However, Honda is not making any decisions until Martin officially becomes a free agent.
In a surprising twist, Martin has already started negotiations with Aprilia, informing them of his intention to activate the release clause for 2026. This news has caught the team off guard, and they are considering legal action if he decides to leave.
Out of respect for Aprilia, Martin has agreed to extend the evaluation period until the San Marino GP in September. However, the team believes they have legal grounds to prevent his exit, citing his injury-related absence as a reason to nullify the clause.
Martin has been closely monitoring the performance of his fellow Aprilia riders and seems dissatisfied with the team’s current standing. With no podium finishes from his teammate Marco Bezzecchi and the highest-ranking Aprilia rider being a rookie, Martin’s decision to consider other options is not surprising.
Overall, the situation between Martin and Aprilia remains tense, with legal implications looming over their future collaboration. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how this saga unfolds and what decision Martin ultimately makes regarding his future in MotoGP.
