Jorge Martin is now ‘certain’ to stay at Aprilia for 2026 after doing something ‘exquisite’ in MotoGP test

Add as preferred source on Google

Jorge Martin will reportedly stay at Aprilia for the 2026 MotoGP season after all. This is a shocking turn of events after the world champion tried to trigger a release clause in his contract.

The Spaniard negotiated a clause into his deal allowing him to leave if he was outside the top positions in the championship after Le Mans. However, Aprilia felt Martin’s clause was invalid because he’s missed all but one race through injury.

And AS broke the news on Friday morning that Martin is now ‘certain’ to honour his contract. That will at the very least delay his anticipated move to Honda.

There were indications this week that Martin’s stance was softening. He tested the RS-GP25 at Misano in preparation for his expected return in Czechia.

Aprilia will hang onto Jorge Martin for one more year after display of professionalism

The report states that both Martin and Aprilia displayed ‘exquisite’ professionalism in Emilia Romagna this week. That confirmed that the working relationship could continue.

‘Everyone will be pulling in the same direction’ when he returns for the second half of the season. Marco Bezzecchi has already won a race this season, and he was on the podium at Assen.

It’s also emerged that Martin’s camp suggested going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. But Aprilia refused as they wanted to prolong the dispute, aware that Honda wouldn’t be able to wait indefinitely.

Luca Marini will now hope to hold onto his factory seat next to Joan Mir, although he could come under pressure from Johann Zarco. Martin staying put may also save the underperforming rookie Somkiat Chantra.

Jorge Martin’s Aprilia release clause wasn’t what it seemed

AS also reveal a crucial detail about Martin’s clause – it could only be activated to join Honda. That indicates that he’d spoken to the Japanese giants even before he joined.

Martin still has the option to pursue legal action against Aprilia. If he doesn’t feel they’ve honoured his contract, he could seek compensation.

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

It sounds, though, as if the two parties have agreed to a truce. In theory, Martin will be able to evaluate Honda’s performance next year before deciding whether to join as a free agent for 2027.

Aprilia have been the quicker of the two this season, but the superior resources of Alberto Puig’s squad will make it difficult to sustain that advantage long-term.