Aprilia have seen Jorge Martin break the Valentino Rossi code after announcing exit decision

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Jorge Martin is hoping to make his latest MotoGP comeback next month. It’s the third time this season he’ll attempt to return from injury.

The first two ended in disaster, but the world champion’s recovery from a punctured lung and 11 broken ribs (sustained at the Qatar GP) is nearing completion. Martin hopes to return at the German GP on 13 July, though this may be difficult.

When he does return, he’ll face a strange atmosphere. Aprilia are trying to reintegrate Martin after he announced the activation of an exit clause in his deal.

Massimo Rivola hasn’t given up hope of keeping the rider he welcomed to the team just five months ago. Martin recently attended the Aprilia All-Stars event at Misano, which suggests the working relationship can at least continue until the end of the year.

Valentino Rossi felt he had to ‘respect’ MotoGP contracts – Jorge Martin disagrees

This is the second time that Martin has activated a get-out clause in his contract. His manager, Albert Valera, is becoming a controversial figure in the paddock.

KTM still hold a grudge against Martin over his 2021 move to Ducati. He was allowed to leave on a technicality, with the team unable to meet the performance criteria because the start of the season was delayed due to the pandemic.

MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi had a different mentality. Rossi briefly considered staying home rather than riding the 2012 Ducati – one of the poorest bikes of his career – but he quickly resolved to continue.

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

According to his close friend Uccio Salucci, Rossi felt duty-bound to ‘respect’ the two-year contract he signed with the Italian brand. He recognised that he had to ‘shut up and go’.

“When he came here he always gave one hundred and ten percent,” Salucci said of the ill-fated Ducati move. “In my opinion, you have to do it that way. That’s what we’ve always been taught, even our parents.

“Respect things. If you signed for two years that time, then you have to step on the gas, shut up and go. Hoping it ends soon.”

Why MotoGP bosses could now block Jorge Martin from leaving Aprilia

Martin would argue that Aprilia agreed to the clause, so shouldn’t have any complaints. He clearly feels that he needs to prioritise his own career, with his injuries this season demonstrating that there are no guarantees of a long-term stay in the sport.

While Aprilia won the British GP through Marco Bezzecchi, they have broadly struggled this season without their franchise rider. They’re fourth out of five in the constructors’ championship heading to Mugello.

Martin isn’t obliged to stay for two years if there are exit routes in his contract. But this was part of Rossi’s moral code, and his protégé Francesco Bagnaia has also stressed the importance of respecting agreements.

There’s even talk that Dorna could stop Martin leaving to preserve the image of the championship. The unwritten rule could become codified if Carmelo Ezpeleta gets his way.