The paddock has exploded. Early last week, the news hit like a bombshell: Jorge Martin, the reigning world champion, was reportedly ready to leave Aprilia at the end of the season. This week, I've been holding back from writing about it because I wanted to take a step back. Today, it's time for analysis... and I'm very interested in your opinion.
In order to remain concise, I am unfortunately not going to detail everything that has happened over the last five days regarding this matter. You can click here to understand the ins and outs. It is also possible to find a lot of additional information on our site.
A sad revelation
Where to begin? So far, neither side has commented, and every day that passes without a statement is another step closer to a breakup. It's true that nothing is confirmed, but since nothing is denied either, it doesn't smell good at all.What I am going to say is my own opinion, but unfortunately I believe that there is no smoke without fire.
We really don't have many images of Martin on the Aprilia. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Let's start with Jorge Martin, who is the main actor in this sad affair. The way we learned this information is rather strange, because the Spaniard should have done everything possible to keep his wish secret. Now that the entire paddock MotoGP is aware of this announced break-up, Aprilia must only take it worse. This damages its own image, but also that of the Italian manufacturer, completely discredited by a world champion who already wants to leave.
Not a question of performance for Martin
I have a theory, and I'm going to share it with you. First, it seems perfectly clear to me that Jorge Martin already has a way out; no sane human being would jeopardize his reputation without being sure of his plan. We'll have a chance to talk about his options again, but Honda is definitely in pole positionEverything coincides: the absence of a young and dynamic leader, excessive resources, a project to advance... his point of departure is all found.
According to the press, George Martin would activate a performance clause added late to his contract at the time of his signing, and validated by Massimo Rivola himself. Apparently, Jorge Martin has the right to terminate his contract if he does not finish in the top three at the end of the French Grand Prix, which is obviously not the case. As you will have understood, the mobile does not hold water.This clause, if everything is true, is just an argument, a loophole found by the Martin clan to leave Aprilia as quickly as possible.
How could Jorge Martin have had time to realize the potential of the Aprilia? He was injured for the first time at the very beginning of testing in Sepang, and then just after his return to Qatar. He hasn't yet ridden a single full weekend on the RS-GP. And besides Ducati, which he just left, I don't think the other manufacturers are significantly better than Aprilia at the moment. The ranking is, I think, a little truncated by the recent exploits of Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco, but Aprilia remains a major manufacturer that has regularly been among the favorites since 2022. Yes, it's been more difficult for Rivola and his men since the start of the season... but Martin is not there! Activating this clause would only be a way for his manager Valera to leave him more quickly, that's all. If a clause in his contract said he could leave due to a lack of massages, Martin would complain of muscle aches.
What shocks me is how out of nowhere this story comes. I thought he was well off.
An Aprilia mistake?
But, by the way, let's talk in more detail about this condition invoked by Martin. If it exists and everything is true – of course –, How is it that Aprilia agreed to include this poisonous clause in the world champion's contract? Yet, before the start of the season, it didn't take much thought to realize that finishing in the top three after six races was going to be extremely difficult for Jorge Martin, even in top form. Personally, I saw him finishing this season between third and sixth place, This shows how little one should have expected a miracle early in the year.
This reminds me of the Piastri/Alpine affair in Formula 1. I feel like professional teams are simply not careful enough when signing their drivers, knowing that they always have the last word when they are fast. And besides, This has been confirmed again.
In fact, Jorge Martin reportedly offered Aprilia to extend the period to six races from his return to competition, which the Noale-based company reportedly refused. Why? Because if Jorge decides not to give it his all, then it doesn't change anything! Once again, the rider is right, because Aprilia needs Martin more than the other way around, at least at the moment.
It seems crazy to me that such decisions can be made in this day and age, given everything we already know. Some journalists were talking about the possibility of Aprilia going to court. Okay, but what next? Martin can't be forced to stay and perform. It's a lose-lose situation for Rivola, and if everything is true, he wouldn't be responsible; such a clause should never exist in the first place.
Quite disappointed with Martin... waiting for confirmation
Don't worry, we'll have plenty of time to ask ourselves the question "why?" when we know where he's going. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
The analysis ends here, but I will still conclude with my feelings. I must admit that I would be quite disappointed in Jorge Martin if and only if everything turns out to be true, and, as you will have understood, this is what seems to be happening.. From a completely external point of view – I confess –, Aprilia did everything to seduce the “Martinator”. It should be remembered that Rivola fought to bring him back earlier, and now all injured players who have been out for three races have the right to take part in a test if their employer requests it.
The manufacturer was in a strong position when Ducati passed on Martin because there were no better positions available. It all happened very quickly, and yet the existence of the clause would prove that Rivola's commitment and confidence were immense. I wouldn't go so far as to call this maneuver "dishonest" as I've seen here and there, but lean de facto on the lack of performance would be quite low, because that would amount to ridiculing Aprilia. I would like to point out that this would not be his first attempt, since there was already a precedent at KTM in Moto2 during the 2020 season.
I will return to this absurd affair as soon as we have more information; for example, a statement from one of the two parties. But I absolutely do not see how the association can continue, the divorce has begun.
What did you think of all this? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
It's hard to see clearly in this situation.
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
