As rumors of Jorge Martin's move to Honda grow, dissenting voices are emerging internally, according to a report published Thursday by MOW. While recruiting the 2024 MotoGP world champion appears to be an exceptional opportunity to revive the Japanese manufacturer, some within HRC remain cautious, even reluctant.
The prospect of welcoming a pilot of the caliber of Martin, currently linked to Aprilia, generates strong expectations. But some figures of Honda would prioritize stability. For them, the ongoing work with Zarco, Mir et Marini will pay off in the long run, without introducing the immediate pressure of having to win in the first race.
The memory of the tumultuous passage of Marc Marquez, marked by a constant demand for results and tensions linked to his departure in 2023, still remain raw among some members of the team. The return of such a dominant and impatient profile seems to be divisive.
Furthermore, the contractual situation of Jorge Martin with Aprilia remains unclear and potentially contentious. According to Jorge Lorenzo, Martin would have wanted to sign a one-year contract only with Aprilia, a request that Massimo Rivola and his team reportedly refused, demanding a long-term commitment.
To get out of this contract, Martin could invoke a clause allowing him to leave after six races if he deems the bike unsatisfactory. But since he has only competed in one race this season due to injuries, Aprilia disputes the validity of this clause.
At Honda, the Jorge Martin case is a matter of debate
According to the journalist René Pierotti, Aprilia is confident that a court would invalidate this provision, believing that Martin has not had enough riding to say that the bike is unusable.
« Even if the clause is clearly worded, It is difficult to prove that Jorge considers this bike unusable after so little riding. This is in any case Aprilia's position. " explains Pierotti.
In the event of early termination of the contract, Martin may have to compensate Aprilia. Honda would be willing to finance this exit, but this financial commitment could revive internal tensions within the management. Some executives of the HRC would consider the investment too high, especially since the current structure already has two pilots under contract for 2026, Johann zarco et Joan mir.
The team director, Alberto puig, also values the commitment of Luca marini, injured but still involved in the project. If internal reluctance were to prevail, Honda could withdraw from the race Martin, leaving the 2024 champion in a contractual impasse, with no certainty of finding refuge elsewhere.
