Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin is in the middle of a contract dispute with Aprilia as he tries to find a way out of the manufacturer in 2025.
Tension is ‘very high’ between the two parties, especially after Martin was not present at Aprilia’s home event at Mugello. The Spaniard has doubled down on his stance as he has activated an exit clause in his contract that allows him to leave before 2026.
Neither party seems likely to reach an agreement. Aprilia say the clause is ‘invalid’ due to the lack of appearances Martin has made in 2025, having competed in only one race after struggling with injuries.
But Martin’s lawyers say the clause is ‘clear-cut’ in the contract, with the matter looking likely to be heading to court. The parties must reach an agreement on the situation, or Martin must buy his way out of the deal.
Honda could pay the fee to release Martin from his contract, with the Japanese manufacturer being the favourites to land his signature if he leaves Aprilia. But it could have been possible that the Spaniard joined the team earlier.
Albert Valera reveals Jorge Martin ‘gave up other bigger projects’ before signing with Aprilia
Martin rushed into signing his contract with the Noale outfit after Ducati opted to sign Marc Marquez for 2025. Jorge Lorenzo claims Martin only wanted a one-year deal, but Aprilia insisted he put pen to paper on a two-year contract.
Speaking with AS, the defending MotoGP champion’s agent Albert Valera revealed that his rider had ‘bigger projects’ than Aprilia that he could have joined. But the 27-year-old wanted to see if he could make history with the Noale outfit.
Asked whether his dispute with Aprilia could end up in court, Valera replied: “It could be. But I repeat: we negotiated a clause, which was the condition for Jorge to be able to go to Aprilia.
“Jorge gave up other bigger projects to give himself a chance and be able to see firsthand if he could really make history with Aprilia.
“The consequences, as they have come about or the causes we have had, are that he was able to test in a GP, in a test, and part of a test in Malaysia, so with what he was able to test, he had doubts about whether he could really reach the level he set as a goal for a second year to make sense.
“We have always tried to be flexible and also consider the possibility of giving Aprilia and Jorge more time to see if they could improve this feeling, but they haven’t given it to him.
“Therefore, Jorge has a contractual right, which is to prove for himself, before setting his future for a second year, whether he can really be competitive with the Aprilia at the levels we set in the contract.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
Could Albert Valera help Pedro Acosta get out of his KTM contract?
Martin’s ‘unacceptable’ decision could have a ruinous effect on MotoGP, says KTM boss Pit Beirer, including salaries. It is already sparking several rumours in the MotoGP rider market, some concerning Beirer’s riders.
Martin’s agent Valera is also the agent of Pedro Acosta, who has not shied away from his discontent with KTM in 2025. The Spaniard has repeatedly slammed the manufacturer for the bike’s lack of performance, with Acosta demanding action from KTM.
KTM ‘restricted’ Acosta’s contract from having an exit clause, thereby not giving him the same freedom as Martin. However, it is still possible that he can leave the manufacturer, as Acosta could be bought out of his deal for £4.5m.
A Martin-Acosta partnership at Honda is possible, with both riders being linked to the Japanese outfit. However, VR46 seem to be the favourites to sign the 21-year-old, with Valentino Rossi being a keen admirer.
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