Paddock regular Carlo Pernat, known for his unfiltered analysis, delivered an explosive take on the Jorge Martin-Aprilia saga. According to him, the breakup is inevitable, Honda is waiting in ambush, and the rider market is about to experience an earthquake. And he recalls a remark he made about the contract, like a prophecy that, sadly, is coming true...
Charles Pernat, an iconic figure behind the scenes in MotoGP known for his frankness, did not mince his words about the desire to George Martin to leave Aprilia. " Remember when I said contracts were worthless? And that we are taking a dangerous path? Now don't say I didn't plan everything. “, he launches to MowMag.
The Spanish driver, disappointed by his performances at the start of the season, would invoke an exit clause identified if Aprilia did not reach a certain level at Le Mans. Let's be clear: Martin is not doing the right thing. This clause referred to the possibility that the bike would not be competitive ", precise Feathered, pointing to an injury to Martin, which occurred during training, outside the responsibility of Aprilia. But the Italian adds: " This is what happens when you sign contracts overnight. ". Especially with Albert Valera, that Feathered knows well...
So, to Feathered, the interest of Honda for Martin does not come from the Japanese manufacturer, but from the driver's agent, Albert Valera. " I know Valera like the back of my hand. I don't think Honda was the one looking for him, but he who organized a meeting " he says.
Selon's, Valera would have first proposed Pedro Acosta to Honda, but faced with the latter's refusal, Martin would have become plan B. " Pedro says no, but if you want, there is a viable way to get with Martin ", would have slipped Valera, supporting clause. Feathered doubt that Honda, known to be rigorous, initiated the discussions, but he is convinced that " from the second after separation, Honda's doors will open for Jorge Martin ».
Carlo Pernat: “ I know Albert Valera like the back of my hand, I find it hard to believe that things will improve. »
The clause at the heart of the conflict is a risky bet, accepted by Aprilia in a hurry. Aprilia was in a strong positionWhy accept such a dangerous clause? », Asks Feathered. At the time, Martin, initially planned at Ducati Lenovo, had fallen back on Aprilia. " They should have signed a pre-agreement and taken their time " he regrets. Now, a legal battle seems inevitable. We will go to the lawyers, and The separation will not be painless, in economic terms, for Martin " he predicts.
Feathered does not believe in reconciliation. I don't believe in band-aid solutions. I find it hard to believe things will ever get better. " he asserts. For him, Honda is the only viable option for Martin. Yamaha , with Quartararo, and KTM, reluctant to recruit Martin, are out of the running. Honda now has a bike that is starting to become competitive. It is aiming for one of the three major champions: Bagnaia, Martin or Acosta " he analyzes, placing Marquez et Quarterly in a separate category, that of “phenomena”.
More Martin is not the only one shaking up the market. Feathered anticipates major movements. Enea Bastianini, Miguel Oliveira, Joan Mir, Alex Rins…I wouldn't be surprised if none of the four continue with their current bikes " he warns. On the other hand, he excludes a departure of bagnaia. " Pecco is the story of Ducati. Beating Marquez on the same bike is becoming a legend. Losing to him is acceptable. He concludes.
In a MotoGP where " contracts are worthless anymore According to Feathered, anything can happen. The break between Martin et Aprilia, if it comes to fruition, will open a new chapter, with Honda in the line of fire. But at what cost? Between lawyers and uncertainties, Martin is playing big in this booming market.
