MotoGP has been left stunned by the news that Jorge Martin intends to leave Aprilia at the end of the 2025 season.
The Spaniard signed a deal until 2026 with the Noale-based manufacturer in June last year, after winning the 2024 title with Pramac Ducati. Within that contract was a clause that allowed Martin to leave if he was not in a position to fight for the championship after six races.
In 2025, the 27-year-old has competed in only one Grand Prix, having missed pre-season and the opening three rounds through injury. On his return at the Qatar Grand Prix, Martin crashed and suffered 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung, leaving him hospitalised in Doha for two weeks.
| Rider | Team | Points | Pos. |
| Marco Bezzecchi | Aprilia | 38 | 12th |
| Lorenzo Savadori | Aprilia | 8 | 21st |
| Ai Ogura | Trackhouse | 43 | 10th |
| Raul Fernandez | Trackhouse | 15 | 18th |
Despite having barely ridden the RS-GP25, the 2024 MotoGP champion is not satisfied with what he is seeing at Aprilia. The manufacturer are bottom of the standings, with rookie Ai Ogura being the highest-placed rider in 10th for Trackhouse.
Martin visited Aprilia at the French Grand Prix in a very brief appearance. However, there was a significant reason for his presence; it was here that he informed the team of his intentions to leave at the end of the year.
Honda’s ‘big boss’ met with Massimo Rivola about Jorge Martin at the French Grand Prix
Various outlets have reported that Martin’s preferred destination is Honda. The Japanese outfit have taken a dramatic step forward in 2025, with Johann Zarco winning at Le Mans for the satellite LCR team.
Honda will not sign Martin unless he breaks free from Aprilia – something the Italian manufacturer will certainly fight throughout the season. But it appears discussions have already taken place between the teams.
Speaking via Tank Slappers, journalist Oriol Puigdemont revealed Aprilia chief Massimo Rivola met with Honda’s ‘big boss’ at Le Mans. They are trying to work through the ‘uncomfortable situation’ in the best way possible.
“There’s not a single manufacturer in the paddock more powerful than Honda, in terms of economic muscle,” he said.
“So now, they can offer super good conditions. And they are working, they are working hard, I don’t know if they’re going to get there sooner or later because everybody says the same mantra.
“Sooner or later, Honda will arrive’, or not. I don’t know, but at least they have the tools and the budget to try to get a super rider and Martin knows that.
“There was a meeting in Le Mans between Massimo Rivola and the big boss of Honda in the Honda hospitality, trying to deal in the best possible way with his uncomfortable situation.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
What does Jorge Martin’s situation mean for Honda’s rider line-up in 2026?
Heading into 2026, Honda have the most seats available of any other manufacturer. Zarco and factory rider Luca Marini are out of contract at the end of 2025.
Zarco has made it clear he wants to race with the factory HRC team next year. However, with Martin now in the picture, it would be unlikely that the defending champion would want to join the satellite team.
Fans are thrilled that Honda could sign Zarco, but they surely would not turn down Martin if he leaves Aprilia. The Japanese manufacturer have multiple riders to consider for next season.
Pedro Acosta has been linked with Honda as he vents his frustrations at his current situation at KTM. World Superbike rider Toprak Razgatlioglu is also an option, however, it is believed he wants to join MotoGP in 2027.
