Jorge Martin seems to be angling for a move to Honda after activating an exit clause in his Aprilia contract. But the Japanese manufacturer are still undecided on whether to sign him.
Under Martin’s Aprilia contract, he was entitled to leave if he was below a certain position in the championship after round six at Le Mans. Given that he’s missed five races through injury (and he crashed out of the other), he’s inevitably last.
But the unique circumstances haven’t stopped the MotoGP champion from triggering the clause. Martin’s camp have given Aprilia time to improve and change their mind, but it’s hard to see the relationship recovering from here, especially if the battle goes to the courtroom.
Aprilia are bottom of the constructors’ championship and 10th in the teams’ standings. But Massimo Rivola would point to Martin’s predominant absence as the explanation for this poor showing.
| CATEGORY | HONDA | APRILIA |
| Wins | 1 | 0 |
| Podiums | 1 | 0 |
| Top 12 starts | 10 | 7 |
| Total points | 121 | 104 |
| Constructors’ position | 2nd | 5th |
Giacomo Agostini has questioned why Martin is so keen on Honda, who are currently Ducati’s nearest challengers. Johann Zarco won a wet French GP for LCR, but they aren’t yet fast enough to contend on pure pace.
Honda don’t want to proceed with Jorge Martin move until they see his condition
It’s already been reported that Honda won’t move for Martin unless he makes a clean break from Aprilia. They don’t want to wade into an ongoing contractual dispute.
Martin could apparently double his salary if he joins Honda, with Motorsport Italy confirming that ‘it’s a question of money’ for the Spaniard. He may have an opportunity to join the most prestigious and decorated manufacturer on the grid.
However, Honda aren’t in a ‘hurry’ to close a deal for the moment. First, they want to be sure that Martin won’t face serious mental and physical repercussions after a succession of injuries.
He missed almost all of pre-season testing after sustaining hand and foot fractures, then a supermoto crash on the eve of the campaign ruled him out of the opening three rounds. His accident in Qatar was the most serious of all as he punctured his lung and broke 11 ribs.
It’s not yet clear if Martin will be able to return before the summer break. Honda will be watching closely to see whether he can regain his title-winning level, and how long it will take.
What MotoGP insiders are saying about Aprilia’s behaviour behind the scenes
Rivola will do ‘everything possible to block’ Martin, the report states. Some would question the wisdom of that approach.
Aprilia feel understandably ‘betrayed’, particularly after fighting for a rule change that allows their superstar rider to test a MotoGP bike before his return. They have stood by him in his most difficult moments this year.
The Noale outfit don’t want to ‘give up’ on a transformative signing. Perhaps they still think the relationship can be repaired, but history suggests that’s naive.
Behind the scenes, there’s talk that Aprilia’s working methods are ‘inconsistent’. It’s clear that rider and team haven’t gelled.
And it’s said that Martin has been underwhelmed by the RS-GP25 when watching from afar, relative to what he was promised in contract talks.
