2024 MotoGP champion Jorge Martin has shocked the paddock by announcing his intention to terminate his two-year contract with Aprilia after 2025, citing a clause linked to his ranking, according to Motorsport. The move, which echoes his departure from KTM in 2020, could tarnish his reputation as a reliable contract partner, despite his undeniable talent.
The announcement had the effect of an earthquake in the MotoGP paddock: George Martin wishes to terminate his contract with Aprilia at the end of the 2025 season, after only one year with the Noale-based manufacturer. An early termination made possible thanks to a very specific contractual clause.
The contract signed by Martin with Aprilia would provide for a possibility of exit if the driver was not ranked in the top positions of the Championship after six Grand Prix. However, after six weekends of racing, Martin is in 26th place with zero points - a direct consequence of his successive injuries which prevented him from participating only one race this season. A contentious context, because his current position reflects his bad luck much more than the real competitiveness of the Aprilia project.
At Aprilia, anger rumbles, and legal remedies are being considered. However, this would not be the first time that George Martin exploits contractual subtleties to get out of an agreement.
Jorge Martin is playing a dangerous game
Let us remember. In 2020, while he was still racing in Moto2 with the Ajo team, Martin already has a contract that provides for an automatic upgrade MotoGP with KTM. But a performance clause allows him to withdraw if no driver KTM does not appear in the top 10 of the championship before June 30, 2020.
Problem (or opportunity?): At that date, no races took place due to the pandemic. Technically, therefore, no KTM rider was in the top 10.. Result: Martin activate the clause and sign at Bow Ducati, launching his brilliant rise in the premier category.
At KTM, the resentment is strong. Pit Beirer, then sporting director, said he was "hurt" by the driver's behavior. However, time and success have eased tensions. In 2024, Beirer admitted that " This matter is definitely forgotten ».
But with this new episode at Aprilia, the contractual profile of George Martin could take a hit. In a paddock where confidence is as important as speed, being seen as a driver who "jumps ship" easily could become a liability, even for a reigning world champion.
It remains to be seen if Honda, expected to welcome him, will be ready to ignore this contractual liability, or if other manufacturers will see in him a risk difficult to control. What is certain is that the "Martinator" is as formidable in the paddocks as on the track with his manager Albert Valera.
