Honda MotoGP Team Principal Alberto Puig made no bones about it at Silverstone: yes, Honda is interested in Jorge Martin, but no, it won't court him while he's under contract. As the media storm surrounding the reigning world champion and his contract with Aprilia continues to escalate, the HRC boss clarified the brand's position.
« You're an idiot for not being interested in a driver like Martin. ", said Puig with frankness to the official MotoGP news feed. More we will never try to recruit a pilot who has a current contract. It's not our style, and everyone knows it. »
These remarks follow the firm statement ofAprilia published Thursday, which insists on the validity of the contract of George Martin until the end of 2026 and warns other teams against any attempt at illegitimate approaches. An indirect dig at Honda ? Not according to Puig: " I don't think their statement was aimed at Honda.I think all the teams are interested in Jorge. He's a world champion. It's normal. »
Honda is actively seeking to strengthen its roster for 2026, with several names on the table. The contract of Luca marini, currently at Honda, expires at the end of 2025, although discussions are underway to extend it. Johann zarco, for its part, is close to a renewal with the LCR Honda and expressed his desire to join the official team.
« Honda is a company that is looking for riders who want to come and race for us »
Concerning Peter Acosta, also related to Honda by rumors in recent months, Puig remains cautious. The young Spanish prodigy is under contract with KTM until 2026 and shares the same manager as a certain… George Martin. Which seriously complicates the equation.
Puig summarizes the strategy: “ Honda is a company that is looking for riders who want to come and race for usWe are still in the evaluation phase, and it would be premature to say that we have a clear plan. »
Clear : HRC monitors, but will only act within the rules. It remains to be seen whether George Martin, weakened by his injuries and tempted by a massive offer of Honda, will really seek to break a contract MotoGP which seems legally locked.
