Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin unsuccessfully tried to get out of his contract with Aprilia to join Honda for the 2026 MotoGP season, but the Spanish rider could yet make the move in 2027.
The 27-year-old only joined Aprilia in 2025 after deciding to leave Pramac, following Ducati’s decision to sign Marc Marquez instead of him for their factory line-up. Martin saw the move to Aprilia at the time as his chance to join a factory team, before he even won the 2024 title.
But while Martin agreed to join Aprilia on a two-year contract, an injury-plagued start to the 2025 MotoGP season tempted him to reconsider his future. So, Martin told the Noale outfit at the French Grand Prix in May that he intended to activate a release clause in his contract.
Martin only had until the meet at Le Mans to trigger the clause, based on his position in the 2025 riders’ championship. But Aprilia did not believe that Martin’s exit clause was valid, as the Madrid native’s injuries had stopped him from contesting five of the opening six rounds.
Honda have not ‘shut the door’ on Jorge Martin given Aprilia blocked his move for 2026
During his absence from action with Aprilia, Martin agreed a three-year contract with Honda for the 2026 season and beyond. But Honda refused to formalise the deal while Martin tried to reach an agreement with Aprilia, who were steadfast in their refusal to accept his release.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
What team will Jorge Martin ride for in the 2027 MotoGP season?
Ultimately, Martin surrendered to staying at Aprilia after Honda withdrew their offer in July, having also seen Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta come out in support of Aprilia’s stance. But a move to Honda in 2027 once Martin’s contract with Aprilia has expired may yet materialise.
Matt Beer reports on The Race’s MotoGP podcast that Honda have not “shut the door” on a move for Martin for 2027, given how his move for 2026 fell through. Martin did not agree to join Honda only to then change his mind. Instead, it fell through as he had to stay at Aprilia.
It is entirely possible that Honda may yet revive their discussions with Martin about a multi-year contract to help lead them into the 2027 MotoGP regulations cycle. Joan Mir and Luca Marini are both due to be out of contract with the factory Honda squad at the end of 2026.
Jorge Martin may have to wait for Marc Marquez before seeing if Honda are still interested
Martin could face a lot of competition if he were to explore a move to Honda for 2027, with the Japanese brand already boasting two riders among their potential stable of four. Honda have handed Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira multi-year contracts to race for LCR in 2026.
Moreira will debut in MotoGP for LCR next season on a three-year factory Honda contract as the 2025 Moto2 riders’ champion. Additionally, Moreira’s Honda contract only states that he will ride for LCR in 2026, with the Brazilian potentially in line for a works promotion in 2027.
He is not the only rider in the frame for a 2027 works Honda seat, either. Honda could try to re-sign Marquez for 2027, with his Ducati deal one of the many contracts due to expire next year. Honda are also expected to wait for Marquez’s decision before pursuing an alternative.
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