How Jorge Martin responded when asked if he was ‘motivated by money’ after trying to leave Aprilia for Honda

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Jorge Martin may have been riding a slower bike if he’d swapped Aprilia for Honda for 2026. But he would almost certainly have been on a more lucrative deal.

With Marco Bezzecchi sixth in the world championship, the RS-GP looks like the nearest challenger to Ducati right now. Honda’s lead rider, Johann Zarco, is just one place behind, but he hasn’t finished higher than 12th in the last four Grands Prix.

Clearly, Martin wouldn’t have been willing to join Honda if he didn’t think they could win. The 2024 world champion was betting on the wealthiest manufacturer on the grid to nail the 2027 regulations.

But it’s also been reported that Honda were ready to double Martin’s salary. Inevitably, this led to accusations that he was trying to leave for non-sporting reasons.

Some insiders think Martin wanted to join Honda for the money, a claim he’s now addressed in an interview with DAZN before the Czech Grand Prix.

Jorge Martin insists he’s not ‘moved’ by the idea of a MotoGP pay rise

Martin confirmed in a special press conference on Thursday that he would be staying at Aprilia, honouring his contract after all. He’s adamant he sees this as ‘the best’ decision for his future.

Aprilia won’t be able to compete with Honda’s financials, but Martin’s father taught him to prioritise his competitive prospects. Besides, he knows that elite performances will naturally earn contractual rewards.

Martin is believed to be earning £3.5m a year at Aprilia, while rivals like Marc Marquez and Fabio Quartararo are taking home eight-figure wages. His injuries this year might have cost him some performance-related bonuses, if indeed they’re included in his deal.

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

“No, the economic aspect will obviously always be there, it’s always important, but it’s not something that moves me,” he said. “I’ve always been driven by trying to find the best sporting option; it’s something my father taught me since I was little.”

“When you get results, the financial aspect will follow. It wasn’t what motivated me, I was motivated by what I believed was best for my future, and now I believe it’s being here at Aprilia.”

Honda could try and go even bigger than Jorge Martin for 2027

The Martin saga is finally coming to an end, though it will take time to repair the relationship with his team – if indeed that’s possible.

Should Aprilia continue on their promising trajectory, a contract extension is feasible. If not, the Honda rumours will restart again.

But Alberto Puig and co. will also be considering some alternative options now that they’re clearly in the market for a superstar. Fabio Quartararo could be available amid his evident dissatisfaction with Yamaha.

And it’s not out of the question that Honda try to bring back Marquez, should he win two consecutive world championships at Ducati. That would take him to 10 overall in Grand Prix racing.