Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin is being heavily linked with Honda as he looks for a way out of his Aprilia contract.
The defending MotoGP champion dropped a huge bombshell as the European leg of the 2025 season kicked off. He expressed his desire to leave Aprilia a year early, having signed a two-year contract last year.
Jorge Lorenzo claims Martin wanted a one-year deal, but the Noale outfit insisted that he signed for two years, with an exit clause being added. Martin has now activated that clause, which allows him to leave if he is not in a competitive position after the first six races.
The two parties are in a dispute over the circumstances of the clause. Aprilia say the exit clause is invalid due to Martin’s lack of appearances in 2025; he has only taken part in one race weekend due to several injuries throughout the year.
But manager Albert Valera says the clause is ‘clear-cut’, with his injuries not being specified in the contract terms. The matter is set to end up in court as speculation is rife as to where Martin will be racing in 2026.
Jorge Martin wants Honda U-turn as he sends ‘bold’ message of his desire to join them for 2026
Honda have been the favourites to sign the Spaniard for some time, with Luca Marini out of contract in 2025.
Romano Albesiano says signing Martin would be ‘very good’ for Honda; he moved from Aprilia at the end of the 2024 season. Alberto Puig confirmed Honda’s interest in Martin at Silverstone, but the team have been very clear about their approach.
Honda will not sign Martin while he is under contract at Aprilia. The Japanese outfit are waiting for the situation to reach its conclusion before making an official offer. But the rider may not be prepared to wait that long.
In a report from Motorsport.com, Martin’s manager Valera did a series of interviews during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. There, he reiterated the legitimacy of the exit clause in his contract and confirmed that Honda is an option they are considering.
The message ‘was not accidental’, but rather a ‘strategy’. Martin wanted to make it clear to Honda that his desire to join the team was ‘unwavering’; he wants them to perform a U-turn and put an offer on the table.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
What some Honda staff are saying about signing Jorge Martin for 2026
Reports have suggested that Honda have offered a three-year deal to Martin, which would take him up to 2028. The Japanese giants can give the Spaniard a huge financial incentive, with Honda prepared to double Martin’s salary.
Honda could pay Martin’s compensation fee that he will have to give to Aprilia if he breaks his contract. But while the 27-year-old would be a top rider for their project, there are some doubts within the team.
Some Honda staff think Martin would bring too much pressure, just like Marc Marquez did. They see the benefits of keeping their current line-up as it is, with Johann Zarco set to stay with LCR for 2026.
Marco Bezzecchi does not care about Martin’s situation as he is focusing on his own efforts at Aprilia. But the Italian’s performance at Assen may give his teammate a reason to stay, with his second place proving that the RS-GP25 is a competitive bike.
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