Marco Bezzecchi
Aprilia’s stance on Jorge Martin is clear after the British Grand Prix, and they expect him to be their rider heading into the 2026 season.
The surprising news that the reigning MotoGP champion could leave the Italian manufacturer before completing a race for them broke just a few weeks ago.
Martin has a performance clause which allows him to exit his deal early, but there’s some confusion among fans and those in the paddock regarding how it might work.
Aprilia aren’t going to be keen to let him go, especially when they are aware of how much potential they might be able to harness with the Spaniard at the helm.
Most of the ‘paddock’ knows Aprilia’s bike isn’t bad and that it can be a race-victory contending bike at a lot of races.
They just need the right man to sit on their machine, which is why Martin’s exit story is frustrating for them. He might be as quick as the Ducati riders sometimes, we just don’t know yet.
READ MORE: What Aprilia have said to Jorge Martin in difficult negotiations over potential MotoGP move
Massimo Rivola defends Jorge Martin with Aprilia stance ‘no one’ understands
Current Aprilia chief Massimo Rivola might be frustrated with the current predicament. The team have a legal ‘problem’ with Martin’s replacement. They’re not allowed to sign one until their ties with the Spaniard are completely cut.
Speaking to Motorsport Italia after the British Grand Prix, he defended his rider while he recovers from a third brutal injury of the season.
“You should ask him that, but we are waiting for him,” he said. “Our mission is to have the best bike possible, so that when he comes back he can find a bike ready to win.
“Today we proved that the bike can win, but we need to do it more often. At the moment, I can’t say more than that.
“When you are a rider, an athlete of this level, and you spend so much time in a hospital bed, you suffer in a way that no one can understand, so it is something we have to respect. Riders should spend their time on the bike and not at home suffering, even if this is part of the game.”
READ MORE: How Aprilia have responded to claims that Jorge Martin wants to leave for ‘economic reasons’
Which teams could Jorge Martin sign for in the 2025 MotoGP season?
Martin’s list of possible destinations isn’t exactly exhausting, with a move to KTM or Ducati almost completely off the cards.
He’s left with two possible rides at the Japanese manufacturers, and even then, still needs some things to go his way.
For starters, Yamaha would have to remove Alex Rins, who is under contract until the end of 2026, because they would never dare release Fabio Quartararo.
Then there’s Honda, who have an opening, but also have Johann Zarco performing miracles on the satellite LCR bike to assess. He knows the operation and should come at a cheaper price.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
