Jorge Martin’s manager makes uncomfortable admission about Aprilia after triggering exit clause in contract

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Jorge Martin’s manager, Albert Valera, is at the centre of this year’s MotoGP rider market. It emerged last week that the world champion’s camp had activated an exit clause in his Aprilia contract.

Under the deal that Martin signed last year, he was entitled to leave if he was below a certain position after round six at Le Mans. The Spaniard is currently bottom of the table after missing five rounds through injury.

Thus, he took his team completely by surprise when he opened the exit door. Aprilia believe Martin’s clause is invalid due to his absences, setting up a potential legal battle.

Honda held talks with Pedro Acosta, another one of Valera’s clients, but he would prefer to join VR46 instead. The KTM rider may have inadvertently paved the way for Alberto Puig to snap up Martin instead.

The two Spanish stars could be on the move a year before the end of their contracts. And this could trigger an unexpected reshuffle on the 2026 grid.

Albert Valera confident wounds will heal for Aprilia after Jorge Martin bombshell

Valera publicly spoke about Martin’s potential exit for the first time in an interview with Motorsport Espana. Team boss Massimo Rivola will draw all the press attention when he arrives in the Silverstone paddock on Thursday.

Martin’s camp offered to give Aprilia another six races to prove themselves, suggesting they’re not 100% committed to leaving. But it’s hard to see how the relationship recovers here.

Back in 2020, Martin abandoned KTM for Ducati before any racing had taken place in a delayed season. The Austrian manufacturer still hold a grudge over the controversial move.

• READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend

Valera says those wounds will heal and expects Aprilia to move on eventually too, even if their plans appear to be in tatters. He says he has to do what’s ‘best’ for his riders even if it means upsetting their employers.

“Logically, wounds like the one that was generated with KTM due to Jorge’s departure take time to heal,” said Valera. “But in the end, they always do.

“As far as possible, I always try to keep these issues from transcending into the personal sphere. That’s why I understand that KTM was upset at the time, and I also understand that the current situation is not comfortable for Aprilia. But I simply try to create the best possible scenario for my riders at all times.”

Massimo Rivola has a problem with Marco Bezzecchi if Jorge Martin leaves

There’s a possibility that Martin won’t ride for Aprilia again. He’s a doubt to return before the summer break after his serious injuries in Qatar.

And even when he is fit, the working relationship may not be tenable. The world champion could instead make his comeback in new colours next year, with Lorenzo Savadori continuing to deputise.

Aprilia could promote Ai Ogura, who’s impressed in the premier class since winning the Moto2 title, from satellite team Trackhouse. Marco Bezzecchi hasn’t convinced as the brand’s frontman with Martin on the sidelines.

Indeed, Mat Oxley says Bezzecchi isn’t equipped to lead a MotoGP project. Ogura has outscored him so far this year, albeit by just five points.