In Most, the venue for the fifth round of the 5 WorldSBK (May 2025-16), rumors surrounding Jorge Martin's intention to leave Aprilia at the end of 18 via a release clause have been stirring up the paddock. Nicolò Bulega, Toprak Razgatlioglu, and Alvaro Bautista, major figures in Superbike, shared their perspectives during the media day.
MotoGP has invited itself uninvited into the World Superbike paddock at MostWhile the Czech Republic is expecting a tough weekend of racing, the most exciting statements are not coming from the riders on the grid... but from an absent MotoGP rider: Jorge Martin, reigning champion in the midst of a contractual storm with Aprilia. His stated desire to leave Noale at the end of 2025 via a performance clause not only shocked the MotoGP paddock, it also caused a reaction in Superbike.
And here too, everyone has their own opinion... So Open up, the ambitious man who does not hide his dream: “ MotoGP is every rider's dream. » But he says it bluntly: 2026 is not the time. For the Supersport champion who became a WSBK revelation at Ducati, the step is high - and he knows it. In 2026, everything will remain the same. It would take me two years to adapt. 2027 would be better. »
Lucid and strategic, Bulega also sends a coded message to Aprilia : if they want to shine, they need a driver who performs immediately. Translation: he's aiming for 2027 — not an emergency spot. For 2026? He mentions another name: " for me, Bastianini. » A realistic choice… or a smart sidestep to avoid getting burned?
Toprak Razgatlioglu is understanding: "sometimes things don't go as planned." The Turk, on the rise with BMW, doesn't judge. He understands. It wasn't easy for Jorge. He was injured three times. I understand why he makes this decision.. »
« I don't know what Jorge Martin has in mind »
Simple, human, direct. And as is often the case with Toprak, a statement full of innuendo. Because he too is in the middle of negotiations: Kenan talks with several brands. » So, while Martin seeks to leave Aprilia, Toprak himself, listens to who is calling him… and how much they are willing to bet.
Alvaro Bautista for his part, he plays the reserve of a veteran: "I haven't heard anything, I'm staying with Ducati." Alvaro Bautista, a veteran of both worlds, refuses to play the game of speculation. No comment on his future, and a polite but icy reaction to Martin: " I am surprisedHe hasn't had many chances with the RS-GP. I don't know what he has in mind. »
Translation? He doesn't understand this hasty departure. And in a half-word, Baptist seems to doubt the strategy of Martin, who wants to leave without even having ridden. It seems that, for the Spaniard, you don't abandon a project before knowing it.
The famous performance clause that Martin wants to activate is controversial. Even injured, he could use it. And if Aprilia had integrated it, it was perhaps through naivety or haste, as some in the paddock suggest.
But by triggering it in these circumstances, Martin doesn't just make friends. Carmelo Ezpeleta He himself is reportedly furious, according to several sources. And this is just the beginning: the departure of the reigning champion could trigger a domino effect between MotoGP and WSBK.
While George Martin looking for a way out, the WSBK look, measure, and dream. Some might take advantage of the chaos to invite themselves to the MotoGP table. Others, like Baptist, prefer to stay out of the storm. But one thing is certain: Martin not only shook Aprilia — he stirred up the entire hierarchy.
