Jorge Martin's decision to terminate his contract with Aprilia at the end of 2025 via a release clause has caused a stir in MotoGP. Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta is reportedly "outraged" by the decision, which threatens to disrupt the 2026 transfer market.
The MotoGP paddock is shaken by news of rare intensity: George Martin wishes to leave Aprilia from the end of the 2025 season, despite a contract running until 2026. According to several concordant sources, including GP One, this decision does not go unnoticed at the highest level: Carmelo Ezpeleta, boss of Dorna, would be deeply upset by this approach.
Signed in the summer of 2024, the contract between Martin et Aprilia would include a performance clause allowing the driver to break the agreement if, after six Grands Prix, he is not among the top positions in the championship. However, injured and without points, the 2024 world champion now meets this condition. He would therefore have informed Aprilia of his intention to activate this clause.
But the shock doesn't just come from this anticipated departure. What's alarming observers is the domino effect such a departure could have on the 2026 transfer market. Ezpeleta he himself would be "outraged" by the turn of events, fearing too much instability in a championship already undergoing major changes.
Aprilia betrayed and disarmed
On Noale's side, anger and bitterness dominate. Massimo rivola and his teams had built their 2025–2026 project around George Martin, betting big on its ability to bring back Aprilia at the top. The departure of the Madrid player would force the brand to urgently rebuild its team, with unfavorable timing and a market under pressure.
« Replacing a world champion is no ordinary task ", confides an internal source. And above all, doing business again with Albert Valera, agent of Martin but also Pedro Acosta, seems unlikely.
Si Martin sign indeed at home Honda, several options are being considered to replace it: Peter Acosta, breaking with KTM, but linked to Valera. Enea Bastianini, available but which was not Noale's priority. Luca marini possible but lacks significant results. Then John Zarco : his experience and his victory at Le Mans make him a credible candidate for a return to the factory team, especially since HRC seems to be betting elsewhere for 2026.
There is also Miguel Oliveira et Jack Miller, both at the end of their contracts with Yamaha-Pramac, they remain secondary options. At Ducati, only Franco Morbidelli has no contract beyond 2025.
While the 2025 season is barely in full swing, the famous 2026 "silly season" has begun with explosive intensity. The departure of Martin risks reshuffling the cards in all structures. But one thing is certain: Carmelo Ezpeleta, guarantor of the stability of the championship, views this cascade of unforeseen movements with a very negative eye, especially if it compromises the already fragile balance between constructors.
The will to George Martin to leave Aprilia a year before the end of his contract is triggering an earthquake in MotoGP. In addition to the headache for Aprilia, it is the entire 2026 plateau which finds itself turned upside down, to the great displeasure of the boss of Dorna. And as we approach mid-season and the arrival of Liberty Medium, the behind-the-scenes negotiations are only just beginning...
