What Massimo Rivola privately said to Honda before Jorge Martin agreed to stay at Aprilia

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Honda will have to recalibrate after learning that Jorge Martin is set to stay at Aprilia for 2026. They could still strike a deal when he reaches the end of his contract, but the move is on hold for now.

It was reported this week that Honda were planning to demote Luca Marini as part of a reshuffle to make room for Martin. Somkiat Chantra, the struggling LCR rookie, would be the casualty.

But now the landscape has changed for the Japanese manufacturer, with Martin agreeing to honour his Aprilia contract rather than fight a legal battle. He tried to activate a performance-based release clause, but the team maintained that his injuries invalidated it.

The reigning world champion has only taken part in one race weekend this year. Aprilia’s compensation demands were seen as unrealistic by the Martin camp, so he wouldn’t have been able to force through a move without winning in an Italian court.

Massimo Rivola warned Honda about pursuing Jorge Martin

In May, Martin issued a statement confirming that he’d triggered his exit clause. His manager, Albert Valera, said just two weeks ago at Assen that he was a free agent for 2026.

A report from Motorsport Espana details how the situation changed so radically in the space of a fortnight. Aprilia appear to have outmanoeuvred their superstar rider.

While Alberto Puig insisted he wouldn’t pursue any target that was under contract, it’s believed that Honda offered Martin a huge contract. Team manager Massimo Rivola privately warned them in the French GP paddock that such a move was illegitimate.

Martin’s clause is allegedly tied to Honda alone, which suggests it would be a dream move. Based on their recent on-track progress, Aprilia might have a chance of changing his mind.

How Marc Marquez reacted when asked about Jorge Martin’s Aprilia u-turn

Pedro Acosta says it will be ‘very difficult’ for Martin to thrive if he’s not truly happy at Aprilia. The KTM rider is also on Valera’s client list.

But his temporary replacement, Lorenzo Savadori, says Martin sounded much more positive after testing the RS-GP25 at Misano last week. This was in preparation for his comeback at the Czech Grand Prix.

Marc Marquez feels Martin has made a ‘sensible’ decision by backing down. It will give him a chance to truly gauge the potential of the Aprilia project.

After a P2 in the Sachsenring Sprint, Marco Bezzecchi has now finished on the podium in three straight races. He’s also broken into the top six in the championship, an exciting indicator of what Martin might be able to do.