Aprilia stands firm over Martin contract saga

Aprilia has stood firm over Jorge Martin’s push to be released from his contract early and expects the defending MotoGP world champion to remain at the team at least until the end of 2026, it has said in a statement.

The Italian manufacturer has remained silent on the matter since Autosport exclusively revealed Martin intended to invoke a clause in his contract to be released from the second year of his deal for 2026, allowing him to leave at the end of the season.

The agreement signed by Aprilia and Martin last year at the Italian GP is set to hold no binding effect for the second season. Autosport understands that in the version accepted by Aprilia, Martin’s representatives included a clause granting him full freedom to accept offers from other teams if he was not among the title contenders after last Sunday’s French GP at Le Mans.

But in a statement released on Thursday ahead of the British GP, Aprilia said its contract with Martin is “valid and in effect” for its full duration until the end of the 2026 season.

“The contract between Aprilia Racing and Jorge Martín is valid and in effect, and as such, it must be respected by both parties until its expiration (end of 2026). Aprilia Racing has honoured it in full, within the agreed-upon timelines and terms, and will continue to do so in the future,” the team statement read.

Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing Team

Photo by: Aprilia Racing

“Aprilia Racing denies that any negotiations have taken place between the parties to modify the duration of the contract, which remains as originally agreed upon. The team has no comment on matters that do not directly concern it but expects other teams to refrain from making any kind of offer to riders who are under contract. Such behaviour would, in any case, not be legitimate.

“The entire team will continue to support Jorge throughout his recovery process, as it always has, and looks forward to seeing him back on track with the RS-GP.”

Aprilia’s comment on it “expect[ing] other teams to refrain from making any kind of offer to riders who are under contract” is believed to be aimed at Honda, which could be Martin’s destination if he is released early from his current contract.

Honda has no intention of making any move until Martin resolves his ongoing conflict with Aprilia and is officially free, while Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola held a meeting with Hikaru Tsukamoto, his Honda counterpart, at Le Mans.

The situation is remarkable following Martin’s switch to Aprilia as reigning MotoGP world champion after winning the title last year with Pramac Ducati.

Two pre-season injuries sidelined Martin from the first three rounds in Thailand, Argentina and Austin, and he returned in Qatar, still not fully recovered, only to suffer a serious injury that resulted in nearly two weeks of hospital treatment in Doha due to a pneumothorax.

While a return to action date hasn’t been set yet, it seems unlikely he will be fit to return before the German GP, the 11th round, scheduled for 11-13 July.