Honda absolutely have to sign ‘remarkable’ rider for 2026 after missing out on Jorge Martin

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Honda are having to look elsewhere for riders for 2026 as Jorge Martin has made a shock u-turn on his decision to leave Aprilia.

The Spaniard had been pushing to leave the Noale outfit early after activating an exit clause in his contract. It became apparent that Honda was his preferred destination, with it later being revealed that his clause was tied specifically to the manufacturer.

Honda would not sign Martin while under contract at Aprilia, but the Japanese giants made it known that they were interested in the defending MotoGP champion. They are considering their options for 2026, with three seats being available.

Honda were prepared to double Martin’s salary as they tabled a three-year deal to the 27-year-old. After months of uncertainty and the threat of their dispute going to court, Martin is now ‘certain’ to stay at Aprilia.

His change of heart comes as he nears his return to racing action at Brno this weekend. Honda withdrew their offer before Martin made his decision, leaving them looking for other potential candidates, and there is one obvious rider to sign.

Honda absolutely must sign Johann Zarco after missing out on Jorge Martin

While Martin was looking for a way to join Honda, LCR rider Johann Zarco made it clear at Le Mans that he was eyeing a move to the factory team. The Frenchman went on to win that race on home soil, marking the first win for the manufacturer since 2023.

Zarco is out of contract in 2025, as is LCR teammate Somkiat Chantra and factory Honda rider Luca Marini. The 35-year-old has been Honda’s standout rider in 2025 by some distance.

Making regular Q2 appearances, Zarco has often fought against the Ducatis at the front as he sits seventh in the standings after 11 rounds. His performances gave him a good case to move up to the factory outfit even when Honda were interested in Martin.

Zarco was willing to stay at LCR if Martin signed for Honda, on the condition that he got a works deal and bike. That was exactly the plan for the Japanese outfit, but now Martin is out of the picture, they simply have to promote the Frenchman.

Joan Mir and Marini have struggled at the factory outfit, with regular crashes and inconsistent results hampering their season. Honda are already treating Zarco as the number-one rider, with him being the only one capable of a top result.

Described as ‘remarkable’ by LCR chief Lucio Cecchinello, the Frenchman has been a level above any other Honda rider. He more than deserves a factory seat with Martin no longer an option.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Johann Zarco from career stats to net worth

Honda are weighing up their options for their rider line-up in 2026

It is currently unknown what Honda plan to do with their riders for 2026. The MotoGP rider market could throw up some interesting movement.

It has been reported that Marini is set to be demoted to LCR and replace Chantra. The Italian has scored points in every race he has competed in, having missed three events after being injured in a crash while testing for the Suzuka 8 Hour race.

Mir’s future at Honda is also uncertain, despite being the only rider to have a two-year deal. The Spaniard has struggled to stay on his RC213V, having had seven retirements this season.

Moto2 rider Diogo Moreira is also being linked with Honda, currently sitting third in the standings. He would bring huge commercial value to the team, given that MotoGP will return to Brazil in 2026.