Paolo Simoncelli explains why he lost ‘respect’ for Jorge Martin during first press conference after MotoGP return

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Jorge Martin’s return to MotoGP at the Czech Grand Prix was an emotional affair, given his lengthy spell on the sidelines. But there was also a feeling of scepticism about his future.

Martin has committed to Aprilia until 2026, having reported positive feelings on the RS-GP25 in private testing before his return to racing. His announcement came mere weeks after he was still planning to leave the manufacturer.

The Spaniard activated an exit clause in his contract after the French GP, citing dissatisfaction with the bike and the project. Martin’s manager Albert Valera claimed the clause was ‘clear-cut’ as they set their sights on joining Honda.

While the Japanese giants would not sign the 27-year-old while he had a contract, Honda were prepared to offer Martin a huge deal to join them for 2026. But Aprilia stood their ground, claiming the clause was invalid due to his injuries and lack of appearances in 2025.

Unable to reach a compromise and with the threat of legal action, Martin surrendered and will honour his contract at Aprilia. But the situation has damaged his reputation with fans and other key figures.

Paolo Simoncelli lost ‘respect’ for Jorge Martin over his talks with Honda during Aprilia dispute

Martin almost cried during his press conference at Brno, where he faced many questions about his contract dispute. The Spaniard stated he had no regrets, with Martin saying he is not influenced by money when asked about his links to Honda.

Paolo Simoncelli, father of former MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli, was not impressed by what the Aprilia rider had to say. In fact, he turned off Martin’s press conference, stating that he had lost ‘respect’ over his actions.

“I turned it off, I stopped listening to him,” said Simoncelli via the Corriere Romagna YouTube channel. “As far as I’m concerned, people who behave like that lose my respect.

“I believe that life is something else and that kids should learn what seriousness and dignity are, you can’t do things like that. Why do you want to go to Honda? Because they’re better looking, because they give you more money?

“Managers can say what they want, but in the end, you’re the one who has to decide, and if you have the b—-, you have to respect your commitments, for better or for worse.”

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

Paolo Simoncelli praises Marco Bezzecchi’s performance in Jorge Martin’s absence

Martin is now riding a very different bike from the one he crashed on at the Qatar GP. Aprilia have taken huge strides forward in development, with teammate Marco Bezzecchi leading the charge.

The Italian has claimed one win and three podiums so far in 2025 as he has established the Aprilia as the second-strongest machine on the grid. Martin is set to benefit from Aprilia’s ‘unprecedented’ upgrades after the summer break.

But he will face strong competition from the other side of the garage. Simoncelli thinks Martin’s injuries have helped Bezzecchi mature and perform within the team.

“For him, it was a bit of a stroke of luck that Martìn got hurt. He worked like a dog, took risks, even crashing, and gave it his all without ever giving up. He did a great job,” he said.

“I think Martìn’s accident helped Marco mature much more quickly, something that perhaps, living off the back of a world champion, is more difficult: he was very good at seizing the opportunity.”