It took two weeks of speculation, rumors of an escape clause, and outrageous offers supposedly from Honda HRC for Aprilia to finally speak out, and the Noale-based manufacturer did so in a terse and forceful manner. Ten dry, unambiguous lines to close the Jorge Martin case—or at least legally lock it down.
« The contract between Aprilia Racing and Jorge Martín is valid and effective. It must therefore be respected until its expiration (end of 2026) by both parties », insists the press release.
In this coldly technical text, Aprilia does not just assert its right: it sends a clear message to the paddock, to managers, to rival manufacturers, but also to its own pilot. A way to regain control of the narrative, on the eve of the British Grand Prix, to avoid every microphone raised triggering the same nagging question about the future of Martin.
And for good reason: the 2024 world champion, who missed five of the first six rounds of the season due to injuries, would have tried — via his manager Albert Valera — to invoke an exit clause linked to his results. A clause that obviously became null and void due to his prolonged unavailability... due to falls, not the motorcycle. No procedural defect, no release.
In the background, we can guess the temptation of Honda, ready to offer to Martin a contract worth 10 or 12 million euros, a far cry from the 3,5 million currently being paid. Aprilia knows this, and sends an implicit message: contracts are respected - and pilots under contract are not for sale.
This statement also confirms that all salary obligations have been met—a way of shutting down any criticism of the brand's attitude. And what's more, it's a muted declaration of war on Japanese methods: no contracts terminated amicably, as with Zarco at KTM, no ejection like Viñales at YamahaHere, we want to maintain stability, commitments and image.
Why Aprilia was right to hold firm
Some observers wonder: what's the point of keeping a pilot who wants to leave? The answer is simple: Jorge Martin did not ask to leave because of the motorcycle. He is not running away from a technical project, but is pursuing a superior economic offer. However, sportingly, Aprilia can still offer it a competitive framework - in any case more than a still-distressed RC213V.
And for Jorge, a full season with Aprilia could be the best calling card for the future. The contract runs until 2026; the schedule is already almost complete until that deadline. If he wants to position himself for 2027 — with Ducati or elsewhere — he will have to perform.
Aprilia, by standing up, not only protects its sporting interests, but also the credibility of the championshipLetting a champion go under contract would send a signal of weakness, even amateurism. What Carmelo Ezpeleta, boss of Dorna, cannot afford then that Liberty Medium enters the game. It is not excluded that he himself told Noale to hold firm.
Jorge Martin's Enigmatic Instagram Message - " This return is personal – day 1 » – could therefore mark a turning point of acceptance. Understanding that he will have to deal with it Aprilia. Better: that he will have to shine with Aprilia, if he wants to negotiate a golden contract elsewhere.
Because, as one paddock observer cruelly summed up: wanting to slam the door is one thing. Slamming it on your own and hitting a legal wall is another. The ball is now in the driver's court. His response, however, will likely come on the track.
