Jorge Martin has triggered a release clause in his Aprilia contract after making just one appearance for the team. The MotoGP world champion confirmed his decision in a statement last week.
During negotiations last year, Aprilia agreed that Martin could leave if he was below a certain position in the championship after Le Mans. His injuries have left him at the bottom of the order.
Aprilia believe Martin’s clause is invalid due to these absences. The Spaniard says he hasn’t entirely made up his mind just yet.
He’s willing to renegotiate the terms of his deal and extend the scope of the performance clause. Previous reports claimed Martin was ready to give Aprilia until Misano to prove themselves.
Teammate Marco Bezzecchi claimed a shock victory at the British Grand Prix last time out. It was the Noale outfit’s first win since the 2024 Americas GP.
Martin made his first public appearance since his disastrous Qatar comeback last weekend. He attended Aprilia’s All Stars event at Misano and even took to the track for 20 laps on a sportbike.
Aprilia fans chant ‘stay, stay’ at wantaway Jorge Martin
One could understand why Martin may have been booed in Emilia-Romagna. His rider market play has split opinion inside and outside the MotoGP paddock.
Some feel that he’s entitled to act in his own interest, and also point out that the two Aprilia teams are a disappointing seventh and ninth in the standings even after Bezzecchi’s win.
Others argue that he hasn’t been fair to Aprilia by opening the exit door after hardly riding the RS-GP25, thus throwing the team into chaos.
Speaking on the Paddock Pass podcast, journalist David Emmett reported that fans chanted ‘stay, stay’ at last weekend’s event. They aren’t angry with Martin and remain optimistic that he’ll change his mind.
“I think it did him good to go to the Aprilia All Stars event to see the fans and also to see the reception by fans, who were not booing him,” Emmett said.
“They were chanting ‘stay, stay’, which I think is really positive. It makes him feel welcome. That’s going to help his mind.”
Jorge Martin’s MotoGP return date may now be emerging
Aprilia team manager Massimo Rivola has ‘no doubts’ that Bezzecchi will win more races. But it could be said that he lacks the consistency to be a franchise rider.
Even this season, Bezzecchi has finished in the top six three times but also posted back-to-back P14s in Spain and France. Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura was more impressive in the early rounds.
Aprilia have been linked with Nicolo Bulega, who currently leads the World Superbike standings. But they need clarity on Martin before they can make a move.
Martin is unlikely to return at the German Grand Prix as he had hoped following further medical assessments on Monday. A comeback in Austria after the summer break appears most logical, offering additional recovery and preparation time.
