Jorge Martin dropped the biggest bombshell of the 2025 MotoGP season at Le Mans as he intends to leave Aprilia early.
The Spaniard signed a two-year contract last summer after confirming his exit from Pramac Ducati. However, after six races in 2025, he is dissatisfied with Aprilia’s current state.
This is despite only competing in one round this season, having been ravaged by injury for most of 2025. Watching the team struggle to produce results in the opening six events, Martin has triggered an exit clause that allows him to leave if Aprilia cannot provide him a competitive bike.
Martin may have been influenced by Marco Bezzecchi after speaking to him about the RS-GP25. The Italian is struggling for consistency in 2025, with Aprilia’s top rider being Ai Ogura, who sits 10th in the standings.
Martin had a meeting with Aprilia at the French Grand Prix, where he informed them of his intentions to leave in 2025. While there is a clear way out of his contract, the manufacturer’s stance on the matter has surprised the defending MotoGP champion.
Jorge Martin left surprised by Aprilia ‘speech’ as they reject his exit clause
Martin’s exit from Aprilia is not final just yet, as the Spaniard has proposed an extension of six races. The Noale outfit would have until the Brno round to convince him to stay, with it being unclear if the Spaniard will be fit to race by then.
However, Aprilia have ‘rejected’ Martin’s proposal as they are not willing to address the ‘elephant in the room’. Journalist Nico Abad says that the manufacturer did not call the 27-year-old about the exit clause, as to them, it ‘doesn’t exist’.
Aprilia think the exit clause is ineligible, as Martin has not been on the bike in 2025. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Abad says the Spaniard has been surprised by his team’s stance on the matter.
“As far as I know, there was no call from Aprilia. It was Jorge Martin who willingly approached at Le Mans to discuss this issue, which clearly exists and which, if left unsaid this week, will become an elephant in the room,” he said.
“So he comes and says: ‘Hey, we’re in the sixth race, there’s this clause and we’re going to see what we do because neither Aprilia, nor the bike is good, nor have I competed.’
“And there he finds a speech from Aprilia that surprises him because Aprilia says: ‘Ah no, this clause doesn’t exist. He’s become ineligible because you haven’t competed. So, since you’re not competing, this clause is as if it didn’t exist.
“We don’t consider it as an option.’ So, Aprilia at this point believes the contract is for two years and it will be for two years and there’s no possibility for Jorge Martin having an exit after the first year.”
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Jorge Martin’s Aprilia exit clause has dramatically affected the MotoGP rider market
Aprilia may have alienated Martin with their ‘inconsistent’ way of working behind the scenes. The Spaniard wants to leave for the 2026 season, with Honda believed to be his preferred destination.
The Japanese manufacturer have a space available for next season, with Luca Marini out of contract in 2025. Honda could offer Martin double his salary, but they will not make a move to sign him unless he breaks his Aprilia contract.
This move could create a battle for the factory seat, with Johann Zarco, Pedro Acosta and Toprak Razgatlioglu all linked with Honda in recent weeks. Razgatlioglu ‘understands’ Martin’s decision to leave Aprilia; the World Superbike rider is being linked with a move to MotoGP for 2027.
Martin’s Aprilia exit could also trigger departures across the MotoGP paddock. Enea Bastianini would ‘gladly’ leave KTM after he has endured a torrid start to 2025 after leaving Ducati.
