Cal Crutchlow just rejected Honda’s one concern about signing Jorge Martin from Aprilia

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Jorge Martin is already eyeing a step-up from Aprilia. After just one appearance for his new team, he activated an exit clause in his contract.

Martin rode an early version of the bike in the post-season test and only completed 13 laps in the winter before an injury. After another crash at the end of February, he returned in Qatar.

Clearly, the Spaniard was concerned by his first truly meaningful experience on the RS-GP25. He fell during the Grand Prix, though the consequences would have been minor had Fabio di Giannantonio not been right behind him.

As he recovers from broken ribs and a punctured lung, Martin visited the Le Mans paddock to inform Aprilia that he was triggering the clause. He believes he can leave because of his championship position.

Aprilia believe the clause is invalid because of Martin’s injury absences. But it’s hard to see the relationship recovering with the Spaniard clearly intent on racing for another team.

A resurgent Honda are the standout option for Martin. As it stands, they are the only brand with a vacancy at their factory team for 2026.

Cal Crutchlow sure that Jorge Martin will be just as fast when he’s back from injury

Honda aren’t entirely sold on Martin just yet, though. They’re wary of becoming entangled in a potential legal dispute, so they want the world champion to make a clean break first.

More importantly, Honda want to see if Martin can regain top form after a series of escalating accidents. But it’s not guaranteed that he races again in 2025.

He should be fit well before the end of the year, but there’s talk that Martin may not race for Aprilia again, such is the damage to the relationship. Still, Cal Crutchlow insists that Honda shouldn’t view the move as risky.

Speaking on the Paddock Pass podcast, he expressed total confidence that Martin could regain his title-winning heights with time.

“I like what Jorge Martin’s doing at the minute,” Crutchlow said. “He’s taking his time. As we know, he tried to jump back on and things didn’t go well.

“I feel for him, but he’s got his whole career ahead of him. He doesn’t lose his speed. You’re still in there. It might take a little bit of time to build back up.”

Cal Crutchlow’s ‘panic’ concern over Jorge Martin leaving Aprilia

Crutchlow was also asked specifically about Martin’s potential move. While he was wary of saying too much, he cautioned the 27-year-old against moving out of ‘panic’.

While he feels for Aprilia, Crutchlow pointed out that he experienced something similar in his career. He left Ducati early in 2014 to race for LCR Honda, though he says that was a mutual agreement.

“My view on Jorge Martin’s situation… I don’t know enough about it,” he said. “To comment on it is a difficult one.

“I’ve been there, don’t forget. I left early one of my years, but I think it was best for both parties at the time.

“It’s a completely different scenario. The guy’s a world champion. Hopefully, it’s not a panic thing that he’s injured at the moment, he’s had a couple of crashes on the bike, and it’s that kind of worry.

“Jorge Martin’s a great, great talent. Speed-wise, he’s probably one of, if not the fastest out there, especially over one lap. Hopefully, it is just hearsay and he continues to recover, comes back.

“I think that the manufacturer he’s riding for definitely put in a lot of effort first of all to get him, and also with regards to how their bike is developed over the years. They’ve done very, very well.”