Jorge Martin, despite being sidelined since his injury at the start of the 2025 season, remains at the center of discussions on the MotoGP rider market. The 27-year-old Spaniard has activated an exit clause in his two-year contract with Aprilia, allowing him to leave the Italian team at the end of the season. However, his future remains unclear and highly contested.
George Martin had joined Aprilia with big ambitions, after finishing World Champion in 2024. However, just a few weeks after arriving in Noale, his confidence in the project crumbled. The Spanish rider decided to take advantage of a contractual window to free himself — a clause that would not be deemed valid by Aprilia.
The signing of Toprak Razgatlioglu at Pramac Yamaha for 2026 momentarily diverted attention, but Martin remains determined to leave ApriliaThe team, for its part, is clinging to its contract and intends to enforce the signed terms.
Carmelo Ezpeleta gets involved: no transfer to Honda for Jorge Martin?
According to MOW, Carmelo EzpeletaCEO Dorna, firmly opposes a possible transfer of George Martin toward Honda for 2026. The fear is clear: allowing an early departure could set a damaging precedent for the stability of the championship, already shaken by several unforeseen driver movements.
Martin would have a promise of a three-year agreement with Honda, which could however only be finalized once its official release by Aprilia. But Ezpeleta believes that preserving the balance of MotoGP takes precedence over individual aspirations. A disorderly start could weaken Aprilia, a growing manufacturer.
To resolve the situation, Aprilia will have to find a credible replacement for MartinTwo names are circulating in the paddock: Francesco Bagnaia, 2022 and 2023 champion, whom Noale has been courting without success — he reaffirmed his commitment with Ducati until 2026. Then Enea Bastianini, former official pilot Ducati, which seems to be a more realistic track.
Another strategic option: Jake dixonThe British Moto2 rider is said to be in advanced talks with Aprilia. His arrival would not only replace Martin, but also to increase the attractiveness of the British Grand Prix, an important objective for DornaThe commercial interest of seeing a British rider in MotoGP could weigh heavily in the balance.
George Martin, compared to Marc Marquez for his audacity, risks a legal battle with Aprilia. If a good fallback position for the brand is found, Ezpeleta could soften its position. The next meeting at Mugello could clarify the situation. In a MotoGP volatile, the transfer of Martin remains the epicenter of the 2026 transfer window
