Aprilia are in an awkward situation as their star rider Jorge Martin seeks an exit from the team in 2025.
The defending MotoGP champion has activated an exit clause in his contract that allows him to leave if he is not in a competitive position after six races. Despite only taking part in one race in 2025, he is unsatisfied with Aprilia’s bike and their progress.
The Noale outfit have struggled for performance in Martin’s absence, but took a huge step forward after teammate Marco Bezzecchi won in Silverstone. Massimo Rivola sent a clear message to Martin with their victory; he does have a competitive bike waiting for him.
Rivola says Aprilia’s main priority is having a faster bike, as they have lacked consistency in 2025. Bezzecchi felt the RS-GP25 was strong all weekend at Silverstone, giving the team more vindication about the bike.
But Martin has doubled down on his decision to leave at the end of the season, confirming that he is activating the exit clause in his contract. Aprilia say the clause is invalid as he has barely ridden the RS-GP in 2025.
Martin has proposed to extend the trial period by another six races to give the Noale outfit time to provide a competitive package. In the meantime, the Spaniard is working hard in his recovery to get back to full fitness.
Jorge Martin unexpectedly rode an Aprilia bike before the team’s All Stars event at Misano
This weekend, Aprilia will hold their All Stars event at Misano, which Martin is contractually obliged to attend. The team will showcase several iconic bikes, including the RS-GPs in MotoGP and allow fans to get close to the action free of charge.
Martin, teammate Bezzecchi and test rider Lorenzo Savadori, who has stood in for the Spaniard in his absence, will be present at the event. The Aprilia trio will be joined by Trackhouse and their riders Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura.
The event starts on Sunday, but that did not stop Martin from making a shocking appearance on the track beforehand. According to Sky Italy, ‘the desire to ride took over’ and he jumped onto the RS660 around the Misano circuit.
This was ‘not expected’, especially considering the current situation between the Spaniard and the manufacturer. Martin ‘appeared to be in good shape’ as he slowly recovers from 11 broken ribs and a pneumothorax that he sustained in a crash in Qatar.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
Honda have already lined up a ‘specific plan’ for 2026 as they reach agreement with Jorge Martin
Following his recent statement, it seems increasingly likely that Martin will not ride with Aprilia in 2025. The Spaniard is being heavily linked with a move to Honda, with Alberto Puig confirming his interest at the British Grand Prix.
Honda cannot sign Martin while he is contracted to Aprilia, leaving them waiting for the two parties to resolve their situation. But that has not stopped the Japanese outfit from tabling an offer, with Honda preparing a three-year deal for Martin.
The Spaniard is set to link up with Joan Mir in 2026 at the factory team, leaving Luca Marini without a seat. The Italian’s contract is up in 2025 as he fights to stay on the grid.
Reports were suggesting that Honda could demote Marini to LCR, but it appears the team have now changed their mind. Johann Zarco is set to stay at LCR, while Somkiat Chantra is also set to be retained; Marini’s crash while testing for the Suzuka 8 Hour race could not have come at a worse time.
