Jorge Martin told he must emulate ‘clever’ Marc Marquez off-track decision after Aprilia contract saga

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Jorge Martin’s return to MotoGP action at the Czech Grand Prix was a successful one as he finished seventh for Aprilia.

He wasn’t quite able to match the heights his teammate Marco Bezzecchi reached with a podium, but solid points gave him every reason to be happy in Brno. He’s off the bottom of the MotoGP standings.

Martin will stay at the Noale-based manufacturer for 2026 after a contract dispute which lasted a few weeks.

It’s a boost for Aprilia, who seem to have found some improvements lately. They will be genuine contenders for victory at most events for the rest of the season.

Two ‘important’ factors caught Martin by surprise, and he admitted that he thought he would feel more run down after the Czech Grand Prix.

After Martin held a behind-the-scenes meeting with Aprilia, he can now move on from the dispute and focus on enjoying his summer break.

READ MORE: Aprilia chief outlines the ‘incredible’ lengths undertaken to help Jorge Martin improve on their 2025 bike

Jorge Martin must emulate Marc Marquez’s ‘clever’ MotoGP management decision

Martin ignored a stern warning from Aprilia and pushed quite hard in qualifying upon his return. He was in no mood to give his rivals an advantage.

He got through the weekend unscathed, which was the most important box to tick. Now he can focus on building speed and returning to 100% fitness for four weeks before the next race.

However, after his contract saga, Peter Bom spotted one thing he reckons the reigning champion should copy from current championship leader Marc Marquez.

“I doubt if he has good friends or good management around him, and I think he needs it because he’s not as bright as Marc,” he said on the Oxley Bom Podcast.

“Marc chooses his own management, they have to be working for him because he can’t do everything himself. He’s clever enough to do everything better than everybody else. Martin needs really good management, and I don’t think he has it.”

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

What can Jorge Martin expect to achieve in the second half of the MotoGP season?

Aprilia think they can beat Marquez in 2026, but his undisputed dominance is a daunting subject for the grid this season.

Nobody has put up much of a challenge to him as he romps to a record seventh title. At the age of 32, he’s set to become the oldest champion in the sport’s history.

Martin’s return does throw a slight spanner in the works, as he has nothing to lose. The Spaniards will engage in battle at some stage.

It just depends on how long it takes the Aprilia rider to fully regain his confidence and get comfortable with what is still a new bike to him. It’s his first year away from a Ducati in 2025.