Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin will race for Aprilia in 2026 after months of chaos amid a contract dispute between himself and his current employer.
The reigning MotoGP champion felt he had a right to activate a clause that would allow him to leave the Italian manufacturer ahead of next season.
But they have stood strong, and it appears that Martin has finally given up looking elsewhere. Recent performance may have been a factor in his decision.
Aprilia have started to kick on at recent events, taking three consecutive podiums between Assen and the Sachsenring, as well as a win at Silverstone. Their bike is Ducati’s closest challenger.
Martin could face a ‘very difficult’ Aprilia return, according to Pedro Acosta, who believes that he might not be happy at the team.
Furthermore, Lorenzo Savadori says that Martin stopped ‘suffering’ after a recent test and that he may be returning to his peak physical potential. It should offer him extra confidence.
Honda spent weeks trying to sign Jorge Martin in 2024 before he agreed Aprilia deal
Honda have a new rider line-up ‘plan’ for 2026, after taking a look at the Spaniard ahead of 2026. Luca Marini’s expiring contract made Martin’s potential availability exciting.
But now it has been confirmed that won’t happen, they will have to look elsewhere for alternatives, and it could be hard to replicate a signing of his calibre.
In fact, the Spanish edition of Motorsport.com reports that Honda also attempted to sign Martin for weeks back in 2024, before he agreed his terms with Aprilia.
They were aware that the opportunity to sign him as he ran down the end of his contract was rare, but at the time, they didn’t really have any performances of note to sway him with. It just wasn’t an attractive move.
Aprilia’s ‘priorities have changed’ ahead of Martin’s return, and teammate Marco Bezzecchi is now the team’s leader after being their sole strong rider this season. They will now fight for the honour until the end of the year.
When will Jorge Martin return to MotoGP action for Aprilia in 2025?
After lining up a return to action for before the summer break, which starts in just over a week, Martin has one more chance to make his wish come true.
The 27-year-old is expected to return at the Czech Republic round in Brno, but must get the relevant clearance from doctors first.
He has spent months recovering from numerous injuries suffered in various crashes this year. Two happened pre-season, and one at the Qatar Grand Prix.
And it looks as though, finally, after around three months away, he may be ready to return and cross the chequered flag on an Aprilia bike for the first time.
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