Honda’s stance on signing Jorge Martin revealed after 2026 Aprilia get-out clause activates after the French Grand Prix

Add as preferred source on Google

Jorge Martin could be about to decide to leave Aprilia’s factory MotoGP team without having completed a race for them yet.

According to a report from Autosport, Martin had a performance-related clause in his contract which permitted him to leave the team at the end of 2025 if, after the French Grand Prix, he wasn’t high enough in the riders’ standings.

The Spaniard has suffered two devastating accidents during the MotoGP season, which has seen him miss the majority of his first campaign for Aprilia.

He’s currently recovering from 11 broken ribs and a pneumothorax suffered at the Grand Prix of Qatar. It’s a major surprise for him to be linked with a departure before the end of the season.

Martin visited Aprilia at the French Grand Prix and showed support to his team at a time when they have struggled to perform on the track.

Despite Aprilia offering Martin a different bike on his MotoGP return, it now looks like he could be set to leave them before even seeing the flag in a Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Valentino Rossi already knows exactly how MotoGP injuries will change Jorge Martin, ‘it’s scary…’

Honda has ‘no intention’ of signing Jorge Martin for 2025 until he’s free from Aprilia

The most confusing part of Martin’s performance clause is that due to his injuries, he hasn’t been able to participate in races. How could he be high in the championship if he hasn’t competed?

Yet it appears that the Spaniard could be free to seek alternative employment ahead of the 2026 season, presumably if his vision for the future doesn’t align with his current team’s.

Autosport also report that Honda have ‘no intention’ of exploring a deal with Martin until his ties with Aprilia are fully severed.

Currently, they have one opening at the factory team for 2026, with Luca Marini’s contract set to expire soon.

After Johann Zarco’s special French Grand Prix victory, it seemed clear that promoting from within may be the best policy for next year.

However, should Martin be able to force an exit from Aprilia, Honda’s head could be turned by the opportunity to sign the reigning champion.

READ MORE: Jorge Martin sends two-word message to MotoGP riders after heartwarming videos from the Spanish Grand Prix

Why Jorge Martin’s MotoGP future could trigger a 2026 rider market craze

Things have been fairly settled in MotoGP’s rider market for the 2026 season recently, with no new deals signed and the usual rumours between teams and riders.

The likes of Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pedro Acosta and Zarco have all been linked with Honda, but nothing has been decided on yet.

Admittedly, it is very early in the season to be making a decision, but that’s what makes Martin’s bombshell so shocking.

He hasn’t given his team a chance to prove themselves to him yet, and they may never get the chance to now.

Considering the recovery time for his current injuries, it may take until 2026 for Martin to be 100% fit again. Aprilia may never get him at his best.