Honda are looking likely to be Jorge Martin’s destination in 2026. The Spaniard is looking to leave Aprilia at the end of the 2025 season.
The defending MotoGP champion has activated an exit clause in his contract that allows him to leave Aprilia early. Martin is unsatisfied with the RS-GP, having crashed and suffered serious injuries every time he has ridden it in 2025.
The Noale outfit say that the exit clause is invalid due to his injuries and are hoping to convince their star rider to honour his contract. But Martin feels ‘deceived by Aprilia’ as he doubled down on his decision to leave the manufacturer in a recent statement.
With the MotoGP rider market shaken by the Spaniard’s news, Honda are preparing a three-year deal for Martin to join the manufacturer. The consensus is that he will partner with Joan Mir at the factory team, with Johann Zarco and Somkiat Chantra set to stay at satellite team LCR.
This is not final, however, as Martin must break his Aprilia contract before Honda can sign him. It is possible that the 27-year-old could move to another team if the Japanese outfit take over next season.
Jorge Martin could join Tech3 if they switch from KTM to Honda bikes in 2026
Currently, Ducati are the only manufacturer with six bikes on the MotoGP grid – the factory team and satellite teams Gresini and VR46. But that could soon change with Honda’s plans to bring on board a second satellite team by 2027.
The future of Tech3 in MotoGP is uncertain. The French outfit, who have won six races in the premier class, are in turmoil amid KTM’s desperate financial situation.
KTM have committed to motorsport until at least 2026, thanks to Indian company Bajaj Auto providing 600 million euros (roughly £503m) to keep the manufacturer afloat until then. However, their MotoGP programme could look very different as early as next year.
Bajaj could sell Tech3’s bikes, after acquiring a strategic lead in KTM. They are looking to focus on cuts to keep the business running and even considered leaving MotoGP entirely, but backtracked on that idea.
With Tech3’s future up in the air, reports have emerged that Honda could supply the team with RC213Vs. GPOne reported that the ‘managers of the Honda Racing Corporation signalled their willingness’ to help the team, which could happen as early as 2026.
This, according to a report from Motosprint, would open the door for Martin to potentially join Tech3. He would be ‘personally supported’ by the team’s primary sponsor Red Bull.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
Tech3 rider Enea Bastianini would be ‘happy’ with Honda switch
If Tech3 were to switch from KTM to Honda, it would create further chaos in the rider market. Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini are contracted until 2026, meaning one would have to vacate if Martin joined the team next season.
According to Motosprint, Bastianini would be ‘happy’ with Tech3’s switch to Honda. The Italian has struggled to adapt to the RC16 since moving from Ducati in 2025.
The seven-time MotoGP race winner would be keen on leaving KTM after a dismal start to the season. Aprilia may have to fight Pramac to sign Bastianini, as he stands as an option to replace Martin.
With Martin an option for Tech3 with Honda’s proposed takeover and Bastianini open to the switch, it leaves Vinales in uncertainty at KTM. But with Pedro Acosta linked with VR46 for 2026, there could be an opening at the factory team alongside Brad Binder.
