Honda have already spoken to Jorge Martin about cunning plan to escape Aprilia contract

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Honda are waiting in the wings to sign Jorge Martin if he can break free from his contract with Aprilia.

Martin has activated the exit clause in his deal with the Noale outfit as he hopes to become a free agent in 2026. Despite being injured for most of the 2025 campaign and barely riding the RS-GP25, the Spaniard is not impressed by the bike or the manufacturer’s current state.

The two parties are set to dispute the situation in court if an agreement cannot be reached. Aprilia say the exit clause is invalid due to his absence in 2025, but Martin’s injuries are ‘not specified’ in the contract.

Dorna CEO Carlos Ezpeleta could intervene and help Aprilia, as he has ‘no intention’ of letting Martin break his contract. But the situation currently points to the Spaniard leaving the manufacturer.

It is believed that Honda are his preferred destination for 2026. Romano Albesiano says Martin would be ‘very good‘; the former Aprilia man left for the Japanese outfit at the end of 2024.

Honda have spoken to Jorge Martin about paying the compensation fee to Aprilia to sign him for 2026

Alberto Puig has confirmed his interest in Martin, but stressed that Honda will not make a move on the Spaniard unless he is free of his contract with Aprilia. However, that has not stopped discussions from occurring between the two parties.

Honda have reportedly offered a three-year deal to the 27-year-old, taking him until 2028. Speaking via Duralavita, Ricard Jove has suggested that the manufacturer have now spoken to the Spaniard about paying the compensation to Aprilia to free him from his contract.

“If they don’t reach an agreement, they will end up, as we all know, in a bad shape, in court.” said Jove.

“But now, I can tell you that I think, and from information, that they will have no choice but to either keep Martin where he is, which he does not want and I would almost say neither does Aprilia.

“Or to agree on what we have always said, which is the financial compensation that the rider will have to make with Aprilia to be released.

“I do tell you because the rider will have to advance it and then he will receive a fee from another brand that you and I know, and that’s it.

“But of course, the numbers are what they are and who will set the tone because those negotiations are already underway, there have already been contacts to see where the figure is that compensates Aprilia.”

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

What team will Honda place Jorge Martin on if they strike a deal for 2026?

Aprilia are trying to delay Martin’s exit for as long as possible and leave him with ‘no choice’ but to stay put for 2026. But with Honda prepared to double Martin’s salary, it will be hard to keep the Spaniard on board.

The factory outfit would seem likely to be the 27-year-old’s destination, with Luca Marini out of contract at the end of 2025. Johann Zarco is set to stay at LCR, provided he is given a factory spec bike in 2026.

The future of factory rider Joan Mir is also uncertain, despite having a contract until next season. Mir has been offered LCR, with Honda being linked with the likes of Pedro Acosta for next year.

Martin could even join Tech3 if Honda purchases the team’s bikes for next season. The Japanese outfit are hoping to have two satellite teams in the near future; KTM could sell Tech3 amid owners Bajaj’s cost-cutting measures.