Noale nightmare comes true as reigning MotoGP champ states he wants out at the end of 2025
Reigning MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin has officially broken his silence following weeks of speculation, confirming in a personal statement that he plans to part ways with Aprilia at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
The announcement follows a flurry of reports out of Spain around the time of the French Grand Prix, suggesting that Martin was exploring the possibility of activating a performance-based exit clause in his current deal with Aprilia. While details of the clause remain confidential, it is understood to hinge on Aprilia’s position in the constructors’ championship standings after the first six rounds of the season.
Complicating matters further is Martin’s limited track time during the 2025 season due to injury, which raised doubts over whether the clause could be executed. However, reports indicated that Martin was open to negotiating an extension to the clause deadline—buying both himself and Aprilia more time.
Despite growing rumours—and interest from other manufacturers, specifically Honda—Aprilia responded ahead of the British Grand Prix with a firm statement, asserting their commitment to the contract and shutting down talk of an early departure. In a symbolic turn, Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi thundered to victory at Silverstone, a result CEO Massimo Rivola later described as a “message” to Martin, showing that the RS-GP bike is indeed capable of winning at the highest level.
After weeks of silence, Martin has now taken to social media, releasing a lengthy and heartfelt statement via Instagram. In it, he confirms his intention to leave Aprilia at the end of 2025. He also clarified that he had offered to extend the original performance clause to allow the team more time, but urged the Italian manufacturer to “respect” the terms of the agreement they had mutually signed.
Martin’s declaration adds a dramatic new layer to the MotoGP rider market and raises immediate questions about Aprilia’s future lineup. With Honda reportedly eyeing Martin as a key piece in its long-term rebuild, all eyes will be on Silly Season negotiations across the paddock.
Martin’s full statement reads:
Hello everyone,
I would like to share with all the fans, media and people who follow my career a clear explanation about my situation with Aprilia.
At no time have I ever breached the contract. When we signed it, I agreed with Aprilia that, if certain circumstances were not met, I reserved the right to decide my future for 2026. This was an essential condition for me to accept the contract proposal they offered me at that time.
When I made the decision to change manufacturers last year, one of my premises was to have the possibility to test the bike in real circumstances and to understand the team and its working methodology. In this way I could feel comfortable signing for two years instead of one, and so we included that condition.
Faced with the situation of having to make a decision on a date that is established by contract, I have decided to exercise my right to release myself for the 2026 season. I have always done so respectfully, clearly and with the sole intention of taking control of my future as a professional athlete.
Unfortunately, the circumstances that have occurred as a result of the crashes, although it is true that they do not affect what we agreed, have conditioned this phase. That is why I have always been open to dialogue with Aprilia to extend this period to a certain number of Grand Prix after my return to competition. The aim is that both parties can give each other a second chance and feel comfortable before making a decision for 2026.
I have always been honest with Aprilia, I have always valued the bike, the team and the effort of all the people who are part of the project. The only thing I ask is that my will and the spirit of what we agreed at the time with Aprilia be respected.
There is no conflict or reproach. I just want to be able to look ahead with clarity, after very difficult times and a very serious injury, and to continue to give the best of myself on and off the track.
Thank you all for your understanding and respect,
Jorge Martín
