Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin’s contract dispute with Aprilia took another turn at the Dutch Grand Prix after his manager started speaking about the ordeal publicly.
He believes that the Spaniard should be free from Aprilia ahead of the 2026 season, despite having failed to complete a race weekend for them yet.
Martin has targeted a return to action before the summer break for a long time, and there are now only a few weeks left before he may be back on a bike.
He has missed half of the MotoGP season, so it’s unlikely that he will be able to climb that far up the standings upon his return.
Aprilia have changed their tune on Martin’s contract, and team boss Massimo Rivola even hinted that they may be willing to let him go.
However, ‘tension’ within Aprilia is still ‘very high’ and it doesn’t appear that a settlement is coming any time soon.
READ MORE: Ducati chief says Aprilia made a ‘mistake’ when they announced Jorge Martin signing in 2024
Jorge Martin must listen to what Neil Hodgson said about Aprilia’s ‘special’ bike
Honda have already spoken to Martin and it appears that they are the most interested in him of any team currently.
However, their stance is clear. They will not engage in negotiations of any kind with any rider until they are completely free from their contract.
Aprilia’s recent performance may give Martin something to think about after a win at Silverstone and two podiums at Assen.
Martin should listen to what Neil Hodgson has just said about their ‘special’ bike, otherwise he may come to regret leaving the team soon.
“You should look at that Aprilia. Me and Sylvain was in pit lane, just stood there drooling over the latest aero behind the rider, attached to the seat. It is absolutely gorgeous,” he said on TNT Sports.
“I know they’re all hand-built bespoke motorcycles, but you look at the Aprilia and it just looks even more special.”
READ MORE: Jorge Lorenzo claims Aprilia rejected one big Jorge Martin request in negotiations last year
Why is the Jorge Martin and Aprilia situation taking so long to be resolved?
Martin’s lawyers have told him that his Aprilia clause is clear-cut and they believe that he should be free to join another team for 2026.
The Italian manufacturer clearly disagrees, and it’s a big reason why the matter hasn’t been resolved yet. They simply don’t want to let a world champion rider walk out on them.
Especially without having the opportunity to see what he can truly do on their bike. If he returns in July, it may still take him a while before he is back to his best form.
If he does manage to win a race or two, it may end up being too late for them to save their relationship. His departure could be confirmed by then.
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