Aprilia have now done something that could substantially reduce Jorge Martin’s wages if he joins Honda

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Jorge Martin’s heart seems set on joining Honda. At the Dutch GP, he allowed his manager Albert Valera to publicly state that he was free of his Aprilia contract.

But there are some compelling reasons to reconsider. First and foremost, Aprilia look faster than Honda right now.

Marco Bezzecchi challenged Marc Marquez at Assen, while the highest-ranking Honda was 12th. That’s just one race, but it’s worth noting that Aprilia are ahead of both the RC213V squads in the championship, even though Martin replacement Lorenzo Savadori has only scored eight points.

Martin’s lawyers are confident he would win any legal battle. But it would be an expensive operation that could affect the rider’s image, possibly without delivering the benefits of a more competitive package.

Aprilia’s compensation demand could hit Jorge Martin’s Honda pay packet

Martin has activated a release clause in his Aprilia contract based on championship position. The team believe this is invalid because he’s missed all but one race through injury, meaning he was inevitably going to be bottom.

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta says Martin will have to resolve the dispute, by whatever means, before he can race for another manufacturer. One route could be paying Aprilia compensation.

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

However, Aprilia have demanded an ‘exorbitant’ fee to let Martin go. And even if a compromise is reached, a report from MOW states that it would have a ‘substantial impact on his future earnings at Honda’.

Indeed, the theory is that Honda will pay the compensation for Martin, but then take that money out of his pay packet. As such, ‘leaving could become less profitable’ than he expected.

Has Jorge Martin now damaged his relationship with Honda?

It’s been suggested that Martin is leaving Aprilia for financial reasons. While some would question that motive, he justifiably feels he’s earned a superstar salary after winning the world championship.

If Honda have to reduce their offer, though, it could lead to a rethink. A climbdown from here would naturally be a little embarrassing, of course.

Martin’s camp want Honda to make an offer, thus forcing Aprilia’s hand. That explains Valera’s media onslaught in the Netherlands.

But Honda’s top management are apparently unhappy with this strategy. If he is irreversibly determined to join, then Martin must carefully protect the relationship in a delicate period.