Albert Valera reveals what Jorge Martin’s lawyers have told him about his Aprilia contract

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Jorge Martin’s manager, Albert Valera, has reignited the dispute with Aprilia at the Dutch Grand Prix. Speaking to MotoGP’s world feed broadcast, Valera said Martin was ‘free of contract for 2026’.

On that basis, Martin is ‘open and available’ on the MotoGP rider market. Valera expressly mentioned that Honda are an ‘option’ for the reigning world champion.

In response, Aprilia released a statement clarifying that their position had not changed. They said last month that both parties were duty-bound to respect the two-year contract.

Martin has tried to activate a release clause in his deal that’s tied to his championship position. He’s at the bottom of the standings, but that’s because he’s missed all but one round through injury.

Jorge Martin’s legal team believe his release clause is clearcut

In a follow-up interview with AS, Valera elaborated on his position. Having spoken to his legal team, he believes the terms of the contract are ‘clear’.

Martin had to be among the top riders in the standings by round six at Le Mans. From his perspective, injury was not a disqualifying factor.

As such, Valera believes it’s Aprilia who aren’t ‘following the contract’. His explosive statements will ratchet up the tension even further when Martin returns from injury.

The 27-year-old is hoping to be back in action before the summer break, and the situation appears unlikely to change in the next few weeks.

“We continue to base ourselves on what we’ve understood at all times: both the clause, which is very clear, and what our lawyers in Spain, Garrigues, and the firm we work with in Italy say, is that it’s a clear clause and Jorge should have the right to decide for next year,” Valera said.

“And that’s all we’re doing: following the contract, and following the contract means following the clauses in it.”

Aprilia lawyers set out their Jorge Martin argument as legal battle looms

It was reported this week that Aprilia expect a judge to deem Martin’s clause ‘worthless’. With both sides entrenched in their position, a courtroom battle feels increasingly likely.

One could argue that the Noale squad are fighting a losing battle. Even if the contractual authorities rule in their favour, the relationship may be damaged beyond repair.

Aprilia may receive compensation if they win the case, but the chances of Martin riding for them next year have just taken another hit. The team will surely have some replacements in mind already.

KTM boss Pit Beirer, who was burned by Valera in 2020, has firmly sided with Massimo Rivola. He says Martin’s conduct is ‘unacceptable’ and could have major repercussions for MotoGP rider contracts in the coming years.