How Honda now feel about signing Jorge Martin after confirming Luca Marini 2026 contract extension

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Luca Marini has landed a contract extension at Honda for the 2026 MotoGP season. The Italian was set to be out of contract at the end of 2025.

Honda have not officially made a statement confirming the news, but reports say that the 27-year-old has been tied down to a new one-year contract at the factory team, partnering with Joan Mir.

Marini is the only rider on the 2025 MotoGP grid to have finished in the points in every race he has completed. He missed three races from Aragon to Assen after sustaining injuries in a crash while preparing for the Suzuka 8 Hours.

There had been uncertainty surrounding the Italian’s future, given his contract was due to expire in 2025. Reports were suggesting that Marini could be offered to LCR for 2026, with Johann Zarco eyeing a factory seat.

However, Autosport reports that Marini knew he would be staying at Honda HRC before the Czech Grand Prix. It was the likely outcome after the team missed out on Jorge Martin, but the Spaniard is still in their plans.

Jorge Martin is Honda’s ‘main target’ for 2027 after extending Luca Marini’s contract

The defending MotoGP champion was being linked with Honda for months as he tried to find a way out of his Aprilia contract. Martin activated an exit clause while he was recovering from injury, with it later being discovered that the clause was specifically tied to Honda.

It became clear that the Japanese giants were his preferred destination, and they did not shy away from their interest in the Spaniard. While they would not sign him while he had a contract with a rival, Honda were prepared to double Martin’s salary and offer a three-year deal.

However, after he was unable to reach a compromise, Martin will stay with Aprilia for 2026. Subsequently, Honda withdrew their contract offer to Martin, which led to Marini keeping his seat.

But the 27-year-old is still on their radar. Autosport reports that Martin is Honda’s ‘main target’ for 2027, when the new regulations come into effect in MotoGP, and Mir and Marini will become free agents.

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

Jorge Martin is committed to Aprilia for 2026 – and he may have a reason to stay beyond that

Martin will certainly keep his options open for 2027, given that the pecking order is set to significantly change under the new regulations. But he has every reason to be excited by Aprilia.

The Noale outfit have dramatically improved the RS-GP25 during his absence. Marco Bezzecchi claimed a win at Silverstone and P2 finishes at Assen and Brno, while Lorenzo Savadori provided a wealth of data.

Martin finished an impressive P7 on his return in Czechia. The pace he showed highlights the potential he could have when fully fit, with Massimo Rivola saying Martin needs three races to get up to speed with Bezzecchi.

Martin’s manager Albert Valera says Aprilia aim to beat Ducati in 2026, and the foundations are being laid with their recent performances in 2025. With Honda slowly building towards the front of the grid, the Spaniard may already have the perfect project to become world champion again.