The Jorge Martin-Aprilia saga continues to rock the MotoGP paddock, and the summer of 2025 could well seal the fate of this heated saga. The 2024 world champion, currently recovering from a series of injuries (fractured metacarpal, pneumothorax after a crash in Qatar), wants to leave Aprilia at the end of 2025, citing a performance clause. But the Italian manufacturer, backed by a contract it considers unshakeable, doesn't see it that way. Between rumors, financial pressures, and strategic games, the outcome remains uncertain. Albert Valera, Martín's manager, promises a resolution during the summer break...
The future of George Martin continues to be the talk of the MotoGP paddock, and the latest developments could mark a turning point. According to his manager Albert Valera, everything should be decided during the summer break. A pivotal period which promises to be decisive for the Spaniard and his current team, Aprilia.
The start of the 2025 season is punctuated by the domination of Marc Marquez, the difficulties of Pecco Bagnaia, but also by the increasingly strained relations between Martin et ApriliaThe tone has clearly changed since Jorge confided at the event Aprilia All Stars, that it would be difficult to stay at home Aprilia despite a promising agreement with the RS-GP.
À Aragon, two rumors have been stirring up the paddock. The first, relayed in particular by Sky, reports a attempt at salary renegotiation from the clan Martin. Aprilia reportedly declined sharply. The second rumor concerns an attempt to modify a contract clause in order to allow Jorge to leave in the fall, after a few Grand Prix. Again, categorical refusal.
The summer will be hot between Jorge Martin and Aprilia
The Italian manufacturer appears to be relying on a legally sound contract and has no intention of giving up. Even after the Qatar incident, the escape clause invoked was not deemed admissible. The clan Martin was met with a refusal of admissibility, both financially and contractually.
Behind the scenes, another offer is emerging: Honda would be willing to make a very ambitious financial proposalThe idea would be to compensate for the contractual penalty ofAprilia and to offer to Martin a long-term contract, at least three seasonsThis montage is largely orchestrated by Alberto puig, team director Honda, who could however leave his post at the end of the season, perhaps replaced by Francesco Guidotti.
The signs show that Honda is reorganizing: acquisition of new trucks, construction of a high-end reception center... The investment is massive, proof of a desire to rebuild around a strong name. Puig, faithful to its methods, advances discreetly but with ambition.
In the case of George Martin, time is however on our sideApriliaA legal dispute could freeze his career for several months, and the Italian justice system, according to some observers, has no urgency to rule quickly. In this context, it's difficult to change scenery without risk.
Another actor to watch: Carmelo Ezpeleta. The boss of Dorna prefers stability within the championship. A hasty departure of Martin would go against the sporting and economic balances sought by the organization.
The sporting aspect remains.Aprilia The start of the season is no longer the same. Marco Bezzecchi proved it with his victory at Silverstone, followed by solid performances. And the tests ofAragon have shown signs of progress.
In this context, alternatives are emerging. Enea Bastianini would be in the sights ofAprilia. At the same time, Honda would have tried to attract Toprak Razgatlioglu in Superbike, with an offer including a MotoGP test rider role and a transition to prototype in 2027. But the intervention of Yamaha ended these discussions.
By September, sponsorship contracts for 2026 must be signed. Teams need to know who will be where in the pits. MOW, Valera is right: summer will be decisive.