Aprilia Stands Firm Amid Jorge Martin Contract Drama

Aprilia has made it clear it expects Jorge Martin to stay with the team through the entire 2026 MotoGP season. This statement came after reports suggested Martin hoped to activate a clause to leave a year early.

The Italian manufacturer responded by affirming that the contract signed at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix will be honored in full. Aprilia’s statement confirmed the agreement remains valid until the end of 2026, with no talks about shortening its duration.

Martin joined Aprilia as the reigning MotoGP world champion after winning the 2024 title with Pramac Ducati. His first season with Aprilia has been affected by injury, causing him to miss the first three races in Thailand, Argentina, and Austin.

He returned in Qatar but suffered a significant injury that resulted in nearly two weeks of hospitalization in Doha. Martin is still recovering, with the German Grand Prix in July possibly marking his earliest return.

The contract saga became public when Motorsport.com reported Martin’s representatives believed he could leave early if not fighting for the title after the French Grand Prix. While the clause was accepted in the 2024 deal, Aprilia insists that both parties must respect the full term. Notably, some MotoGP agents play key roles in negotiating such contracts.

The team emphasized that all contract terms have been met and expects other MotoGP teams not to approach riders under contract. Aprilia believes such approaches would be illegitimate.

Honda has emerged as a possible destination for Martin if released, but the Japanese team reportedly will not act without an official release. Reports also indicate Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola was seen discussing matters with Honda’s Hikaru Tsukamoto during the French Grand Prix weekend.

Negotiations are tense as the 2026 MotoGP rider market is already active, with several factory seats and star riders in play. Aprilia confirmed it will continue supporting Martin during his recovery, expecting his return once medically cleared.

The team denied making any contract adjustments since signing and urged rivals not to unsettle the grid by targeting contracted riders. With Martin still recovering and Aprilia refusing an early exit, attention now turns to the upcoming races for any changes.

Martin’s future remains a key focus for fans and teams as negotiations intensify with summer approaching. If Aprilia maintains its position, Martin will stay with the team through the 2026 season, with further developments hinging on contract talks and rider performances.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.