Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin’s contract dispute with Aprilia has dominated news headlines in recent weeks as he seeks a way out of the manufacturer by the end of 2025.
The defending MotoGP champion shocked the paddock by announcing his intentions to leave Aprilia a year early. Martin activated an exit clause in his contract that allows him to leave if he is not in a competitive position after six races.
Despite having only taken part in one race this season, having been sidelined over the winter with injury before crashing and sustaining more in Qatar, the Spaniard is dissatisfied with the current state of the RS-GP25.
Aprilia have struggled in the 27-year-old’s absence, having to field test rider Lorenzo Savadori in his place. But Marco Bezzecchi’s win at Silverstone sent a clear message that the bike is competitive and that Martin can be strong on it when he returns.
The situation between the parties is likely to end up in court, with neither seemingly able to agree on a compromise. Aprilia say Martin’s exit clause is invalid, claiming that his time on the bike is insufficient to activate it.
Jorge Lorenzo claims Aprilia rejected Jorge Martin’s request to sign a one-year deal
Martin rushed into his contract with Aprilia out of spite towards Ducati. He was snubbed from the factory seat by Marc Marquez and did not want to remain on a satellite bike.
According to three-time MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo, Martin had initially requested a one-year deal with Aprilia. However, the manufacturer ‘insisted’ that he sign a two-year contract.
“They are two different situations, Martin’s and Pedro’s [Acosta], due to the contract itself,” said Lorenzo via Duralavita.
“That is, Pedro has a two-year contract and there is no special clause that could release him from the contract. Only an agreement between both parties could cause them to part ways.
“On the other hand, when Jorge Martin negotiated with Aprilia at the time, he wanted a one-year contract. But Aprilia insisted: ‘No, no, no. Two years, two years, two years.’
“And in the end, they accepted, but putting a clear clause that was that he, on the part of the rider, if he didn’t manage to be in certain positions in the sixth, seventh, eighth race, he could choose to terminate the contract, to rescind the contract.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
Who could replace Jorge Martin at Aprilia if he does leave the manufacturer in 2026?
The current situation points towards Martin riding for a different team in 2026. However, Dorna CEO Carlos Ezpeleta could intervene and help Aprilia, as he thinks it would be bad for the championship if the Spaniard was to break his contract.
But if Martin does end up leaving, Aprilia have already been linked with several possible replacements. Enea Bastianini is a potential option as he is reportedly unhappy at KTM Tech3.
Aprilia could battle Yamaha for Manu Gonzalez, who is currently leading the Moto2 standings. The Spaniard impressed for Trackhouse at the test at Aragon.
Martin’s departure would present the opportunity to promote from within. However, Ai Ogura is unlikely to join Aprilia, as he is contracted to Trackhouse until 2026.
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