Dorna boss threatens to deny Martin 2026 MotoGP entry

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP promoter Dorna, has threatened to not accept a Jorge Martin entry for next year’s championship unless the rider’s dispute with Aprilia is resolved.

The reigning world champion has invoked a results-based clause in his contract with the Italian brand which, in his opinion, releases him from his agreement at the end of this year and frees him up for 2026.

Aprilia considers this clause invalid, on the basis that the Spaniard has missed all but one of the races so far in 2025.

Martin’s manager Alberto Valero doubled down on his camp’s stance at Assen on Saturday morning, telling Autosport: “Jorge is free to sign with whomever he wants for 2026.”

That statement was met on Sunday morning with a retort from none other than Ezpeleta, the highest-ranking executive in the series. This is likely to be interpreted as an obstacle by Martin’s camp and an endorsement for Aprilia.

“As Dorna, MSMA (the constructors’ association) and IRTA (the teams’ association), we will not accept the registration in the world championship of any rider who is not free, either through a judge’s ruling or through having reached an agreement with the other party,” Ezpeleta told Sky Italia.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO

Photo by: Marc Fleury

“Aprilia says it has a contract with Martin, while his agent, Valera, says he is free. For us to accept [an entry], the two parties have to come to an agreement, or a judge will decide on the case.”

The Noale-based manufacturer did not initially react to the offensive launched by Valera on Saturday, but on Sunday, in the face of Ezpeleta’s forcefulness, Massimo Rivola opted to speak.

“Aprilia’s position has not changed,” he said. “For us, the rider has a two-year contract and is not free. Obviously he can’t go where he wants. We will do everything in our power to protect the company.” 

Rivola opened the door to only two possible ways forward, adding: “Our priority is to keep the rider. If that’s not possible, then either we sit down and find an agreement or we go to court.”

Honda, meanwhile, has shown great interest in signing Martin. But HRC team manager Alberto Puig reiterated at Assen that the Japanese company won’t get involved until Martin is free of his contract.

After hearing Valera’s comments, he told DAZN on Sunday: “We talk to the riders, not to the factories. And the rider has to tell us that he is free.”

Alberto Puig

Photo by: Rainier Ehrhardt

Rivola confirmed that he is aligned with Puig and Ezpeleta on the Honda question.

“About this [Honda], I think Carmelo has been very clear,” said Rivola. “You can’t sign with one brand if you have a contract with another.” 

Dorna is expected to be bought out by Liberty Media in the coming days, but Ezpeleta will remain a minority shareholder.