Honda could still make a ‘surprise’ MotoGP move for 2026 despite losing out on Jorge Martin

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Honda have lost out on their top target for the 2026 MotoGP season after Jorge Martin agreed to stay at Aprilia. Martin is expected to communicate that decision ahead of his return in Brno this weekend.

Martin to Honda looked likely after the world champion triggered a release clause in his deal. But with the help of Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, it appears that Aprilia have successfully compelled him to honour his initial two-year agreement.

Honda were interested in Martin in 2024 when he was exploring options outside Ducati. While he prioritised Aprilia, he negotiated an exit clause that was specifically tied to the Japanese manufacturer.

But having made clear that they wouldn’t pursue an under-contract rider, Honda were forced to withdraw their Martin offer. This came following a warning from Massimo Rivola that an approach would be improper.

Honda still have ‘margin to play’ with Luca Marini and Somkiat Chantra out of contract

Speaking on the Tank Slappers podcast, journalist Oriol Puigdemont says a ‘surprise’ move shouldn’t be ruled out even after Martin committed to Aprilia. Honda have three riders out of contract for next year.

Johann Zarco is expected to sign a new deal, having more than doubled the points tally of the next-best Honda rider (104 vs 48). His prospects of a factory promotion may now improve.

Luca Marini was sensational at the German Grand Prix, finishing a season-high sixth after a three-race injury absence, but uncertainty remains over his future. LCR rookie Somkiat Chantra could drop off the MotoGP grid after spending most of the year anonymously lapping at the back of the field.

“We might have a surprise at Honda [for 2026],” Puigdemont said. “Marini hasn’t renewed the contract yet, despite him being super-sharp at the Sachsenring last weekend.

“We have Chantra [out of contract]. I think Honda are in a different position than the other manufacturers. So they still have some margin to play.”

Could Fabio Quartararo now be an option for Honda?

Fabio Quartararo is unhappy at Yamaha right now, and has made that publicly known. He’s warned the brand that they need to impress him by the early stages of next year, or he won’t be renewing his contract.

Widely regarded as one of the top riders on the grid, the 2021 world champion is only 10th in this year’s standings. And his evident frustration has rivals on alert.

Puigdemont floated Quartararo as a potential target for Honda if he follows through on his threat. It would be particularly galling for Yamaha to lose him to their national rivals.

“If this happens, it opens up huge, different possibilities,” Puigdemont said. “Don’t forget that Honda aren’t going to get Martin next year. You have another contender. It could open up a whole load of different situations.”

With Ducati likely to be interested too, Quartararo says he could match Marc Marquez in dry conditions, but admits he’d be on the back foot in the rain.