Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin is rumoured to be one of the big movers on the MotoGP rider market in 2026 as he is linked with a move away from Aprilia.
The Spaniard walked away from Ducati at the end of 2024 after failing to secure a factory seat. He took his number one plate to Aprilia in 2025 on a two-year contract, but he would only race with it seven times.
Martin struggled immensely with injury last year, leaving him 21st in the standings. It marked one of the worst MotoGP title defences in history as Marc Marquez, the rider who pipped him for a factory Ducati seat, took home the crown.
Jorge Martin is back in testing in Thailand! 🙏 What are your expectations for his 2026 season?
The season was also marked by controversy within the Aprilia camp, as Martin tried to break his contract during the European season. He expressed dissatisfaction over the project and the RS-GP and looked to force a way into Honda.
Martin committed to Aprilia in 2026 when Dorna denied him leaving a year early. In his absence, teammate Marco Bezzecchi helped guide the team to three wins and closed the gap to Ducati, setting up an exciting battle this year.
But heading into 2026, there are again more doubts around Martin’s future with the Noale outfit as he is linked with a move to Yamaha.
Aprilia have ‘many doubts’ about Jorge Martin’s future beyond 2026 amid Yamaha links
As Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola stated, Bezzecchi was the priority for the team for 2027 and duly signed him to a new two-year contract before pre-season testing at Sepang. However, Martin’s situation is more complicated.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, there are ‘many doubts’ within Aprilia about Martin’s future. His contract expires at the end of 2026, and his injury struggles in 2025 have damaged his stock.
Yamaha move to replace Fabio Quartararo immediately! 🔥 Is this a smart move by Jorge Martin? 🤔
Let us know in the comments below!
The Spaniard was perhaps one of the most sought-after riders in 2024, and there were high hopes for his move to Aprilia. Now, there are doubts about whether the team will offer Martin a new deal as he is linked with other factories.
Martin is set to join Yamaha in 2027, replacing Fabio Quartararo, who is linked with Honda. As the rumour mill swirls, Martin actually placed himself at Yamaha in his grid predictions for next season, with many fans seeing that as a sign that the move will happen.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
Who will replace Jorge Martin at Aprilia in 2027?
With Bezzecchi tied down for 2027 and Martin seemingly off to Yamaha, Aprilia are now faced with needing to find the Spaniard’s replacement. They will need to act fast, as several teams will have their line-ups finalised before the first race in Thailand.
They already have numerous options, with Francesco Bagnaia and Alex Marquez being potential candidates. Aprilia turned down Quartararo after his salary demands exceeded the team’s budget.
Aprilia have identified Enea Bastianini as an option for 2027, and they could get him at a bargain price. His contract with Tech3 is set to expire in 2026, and the team are willing to wait until November to sign him.
Raul Fernandez is another option for Aprilia, who could earn a promotion from satellite team Trackhouse. He won his first MotoGP race in 2025 at Phillip Island, with his impressive form in the latter half of the second propelling him into the top 10.
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