Reigning MotoGP Champion looking to jump ship after difficult start to season
Jorge Martin is sensationally assessing his options for the future after it was confirmed to AMCN that there is a clause in his contract that could see him leave Aprilia at the end of 2025.
The Spaniard was a surprise, if covert, visitor to the paddock at Le Mans. It was there that rumors started mounting regarding his plans for next year after a disastrous start to this season.
A source from Martin’s camp told AMCN that his contract with Aprilia, while a two-year deal, was also negotiated with a clause that gave the Spaniard total autonomy to decide his future after one year with the brand.
The same source intimated this clause was a sweetener for Martin to sign for Aprilia last year, as he could assess whether they and the RS-GP have the potential to fight for the MotoGP title in future years.
After two serious crashes aboard the bike and three serious injuries in three months (one of them from a training accident with a supermotard), the reigning MotoGP champ is clearly doubting whether this is the case.
AMCN has also learned that Martin is considering a move to Honda’s factory MotoGP team for 2026. HRC has made huge strides this term and Johann Zarco won the brand’s first premier class race since April 2023 on Sunday May 11. Also, Martin’s mentor Aleix Espargaro is now an enthusiastic member of the HRC project in a new role as test rider.
Another interesting factor: it’s believed this situation has arisen as Pedro Acosta informed Honda that he had no interest in signing for them in 2026. The former Moto2 and Moto3 rider has been assessing his options away from KTM. And he wants to challenge aboard a Ducati next year no matter what.
Martin’s camp also stressed they will give Aprilia some races upon his return to prove they can show the requisite level to challenge at the front “out of good faith”. But it’s hard to imagine a situation in which there is a way back for him and the Noale factory.
