Aprilia could now be denied their Jorge Martin replacement after KTM’s new owners committed to MotoGP

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Aprilia have been linked with several riders in and out of MotoGP as they face the prospect of replacing Jorge Martin at the end of 2025.

The defending champion is looking to leave the Noale outfit before his contract expires in 2026. Martin has activated an exit clause after being dissatisfied with Aprilia and the RS-GP25.

The Spaniard has crashed every time he has ridden the bike, with Martin taking part in only one Grand Prix in 2025 due to serious injuries. He is nearing his return to MotoGP, but it will be tense as Aprilia cannot reach a compromise with the wantaway rider.

Aprilia are refusing to discuss a compensation fee with Martin as they believe the exit clause is invalid due to his injuries. The matter is set to go to court, with manager Albert Valera saying the clause is ‘clear-cut’.

In the event the Spaniard leaves, Aprilia have been linked with numerous riders who could fill the void, including Moto2 stars Jake Dixon and Manu Gonzalez. KTM Tech3 rider Enea Bastianini is another name linked with Aprilia, but he could be denied a potential move.

Enea Bastianini would be ‘forced’ to honour his KTM contract if they commit to MotoGP

The Italian has struggled to adapt to the RC16 since leaving Ducati at the end of 2024. He is currently the lowest-ranked KTM rider as he sits 15th in the standings with 42 points.

Bastianini has been critical of KTM amid his links to Aprilia. It seems he has his eyes set on a move away from the manufacturer, as Bastianini would ‘gladly’ leave KTM before his contract expires in 2026.

His future with the Austrian outfit is in doubt beyond next season. KTM owners Bajaj could sell Tech3 and their bikes as they plan on cuts for the MotoGP programme.

The manufacturer could have just two bikes on the grid as early as next year. But reports out of India have stated that Bajaj is committed to MotoGP and KTM’s motorsport division.

While this is great news for the team, it would not be the best news for Bastianini. According to a report from GPOne, the Italian would probably be ‘forced’ to see out his contract with Tech3 if the reports of Bajaj committing to MotoGP are true.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Enea Bastianini from net worth to career stats

Carlo Pernat claims an exit from KTM for Enea Bastianini is possible amid interest from other teams

The 27-year-old could be a factor in the MotoGP rider market if a move away from KTM is possible. Carlo Pernat says Bastianini’s contract is ‘quite open’, which, in theory, could facilitate an exit.

Jorge Lorenzo has talked up Bastianini being Martin’s replacement at Aprilia. The Italian offers a wealth of experience to the Noale outfit and is a competent rider in MotoGP, provided he has a bike he likes.

That is far from what he is getting at KTM, with his best result thus far in 2025 being seventh in Austin. Bastianini has not adapted to the RC16 at all since joining the manufacturer, prompting him to look at Aprilia for a way out.

But he does have other options on the table. Pramac could sign Bastianini as they weigh up their options for Toprak Razgatlioglu’s teammate in 2026.