2024 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin wants to terminate his two-year contract (2025-2026) with Aprilia at the end of 2025 to join Honda in 2026, citing a release clause. This decision, revealed by Motorsport.com on May 12, 2025, is shaking up the paddock and could lead to legal action, with Aprilia remaining firm with a "no comment" and contesting the clause's validity. Here's an analysis of the contractual issues, context, outlook, and ramifications for 2026.
Dramatic turn of events in the MotoGP paddock: Jorge Martin, the reigning world champion, would like to terminate his contract early with Aprilia, signed last June for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The information, considered improbable just a few days ago, is becoming more and more clear behind the scenes.
The Madrid driver's entourage, led by Albert Valera, wishes to activate a exit clause contained in the contract. This clause would allow Martin to free himself from his second year if he did not reach a certain rank in the general classification after the first six Grands Prix. However, Martin currently sits in 26th place with zero points, after missing almost the entire first half of the season due to injury.
However, on the Noale side, the tone is firm: " No comment ", but everything indicates that Aprilia demands full compliance with the agreement. The situation is all the more complex as Martin was only able to compete in one Grand Prix this year, making any sporting assessment irrelevant.
Since the winter tests in Malaysia, Martin accumulates physical problems: a crash on the first day at Sepang, a chest injury in motocross, then a fracture of eleven ribs in Qatar. This chaotic start to the season left the rider no chance to adapt to the RS-GP or to demonstrate his true level.
Jorge Martin and Aprilia: towards a legal battle that would be bad for the whole of MotoGP
According to several sources, the management of Martin would have proposed to postpone the deadline of the clause until Misano Grand Prix (September)More Aprilia would refuse to change the initial terms. Lawyers on both sides are now reportedly exploring legal avenues to resolve the dispute, although an amicable solution remains a possibility.
What was supposed to be an ambitious partnership between a rising manufacturer and a champion in search of recognition was cut short. Martin had been pushed out of the official saddle by Ducati despite an exceptional season, and Aprilia had made a significant technical and financial effort to attract him.
But injuries, a lack of chemistry with the bike, and an atmosphere that never found its balance, transformed this promising project into a source of tension. Jorge Martin, mentally weakened, no longer sees a future in this collaboration.
Dance what contexts, Honda appears as the logical exit door. In the midst of restructuring, with Aleix Espargaró (close to Martin) as a test driver, and who would actively campaign to attract him, the Japanese firm appears ready to welcome the champion – but will not take any steps as long as the contract with Aprilia is not resolved.
The break between Martin et Aprilia seems inevitable, and could well play out in court. A new legal-sporting episode is looming, which risks shaking up a paddock even more MotoGP already boiling.
