MotoGP - Jorge Martin goes on the offensive in the MotoGP contract dispute with Aprilia

The MotoGP drama surrounding Jorge Martin continues to unfold. After Aprilia insisted on fulfilling his contract last week in the run-up to the British Grand Prix , the Spaniard has now spoken out again. The motorcycle world champion is by no means backing down in the dispute over his contract and maintains that he has every right to leave Aprilia at the end of the year.

In an Instagram story, Martin spoke personally for the first time about his intention to leave Aprilia at the end of the year. The currently injured MotoGP rider justified his statement by saying he wanted to clarify his position, emphasizing in his opening statement: "At no point did I breach the contract."

Instead, he insists on his exit clause: "When signing the contract, I agreed with Aprilia that I reserve the right to decide on my future for 2026 if certain conditions are not met."

Specifically, it seems to be a performance clause. According to our information, this will be activated if Martin isn't among the top positions in the World Championship standings after six race weekends. He isn't, in fact, but the former Ducati rider missed six of the first seven Grands Prix this year due to three injuries.

Aprilia believes the clause is therefore invalid, but Martin disagrees. "Given the situation of having to make a decision at a contractually agreed time, I have decided to exercise my right to release myself for the 2026 season," Martin explains his intentions in the statement. According to Martin, the clause was a key factor in why he signed the two-year contract with Aprilia in the first place, as it allowed him to test the RS-GP under racing conditions.

"I have always done this respectfully, clearly, and with the sole intention of taking my future as a professional athlete into my own hands," the statement continued. Martin claimed that he made a counteroffer to Aprilia to postpone the deadline: "I have always been open to dialogue with Aprilia to extend this period up to a certain number of Grands Prix after my return to competition. The goal is for both parties to give each other a second chance and feel comfortable before making a decision for 2026."

In the Instagram statement, Martin denied any wrongdoing toward the Noale-based MotoGP brand: "I have always been honest with Aprilia, I have always appreciated the bike, the team, and the efforts of all the people involved in the project. The only thing I ask is that my will and the spirit of what we agreed with Aprilia at the time be respected."

"There are no conflicts or accusations. I just want to be able to look forward with clarity after a very difficult time and a very serious injury and continue to give my best on and off the track."

In a statement last week, Aprilia denied "that negotiations have taken place between the parties regarding a change in the contract duration" and maintained that the contract is valid until the end of 2026. Reports link Martin with a potential move to Honda. The Japanese company isn't opposed to the idea, but team manager Alberto Puig emphasized that the contractual situation must first be clarified, saying: "We would never contact a rider who has an existing contract with another."

Hello everyone,

I would like to give a clear explanation to all fans, media and people who follow my career about my situation with Aprilia.

At no point did I breach the contract. When signing the contract, I agreed with Aprilia that I would reserve the right to decide on my future until 2026 if certain conditions were not met. This was an essential prerequisite for me to accept the contract offer made to me at that time.

When I made the decision to change manufacturers last year, one of my priorities was to have the opportunity to test the bike under real-life conditions and understand the team and its working methods. This way, I could feel comfortable signing for two years instead of one, and so we included this condition.

Given the situation of having to make a decision at a contractually agreed time, I have decided to exercise my right to take a leave of absence for the 2026 season. I have always done so respectfully, clearly, and with the sole intention of taking control of my future as a professional athlete.

Unfortunately, the circumstances resulting from the accidents have affected this phase, even if they have nothing to do with our agreement. Therefore, I have always been open to dialogue with Aprilia to extend this period up to a certain number of Grands Prix after my return to competition. The goal is for both parties to give each other a second chance and feel comfortable before making a decision for 2026.

I've always been honest with Aprilia; I've always valued the bike, the team, and the efforts of everyone involved in the project. The only thing I ask is that my wishes and the spirit of what we agreed with Aprilia at the time be respected.

There are no conflicts or accusations. I just want to be able to look forward with clarity after a very difficult time and a very serious injury and continue to give my best on and off the track.

I thank you all for your understanding and respect,

Jorge Martin

What do you think about Jorge Martin's behavior? MSM MotoGP head Markus Zörweg clarified his opinion in a comment on Tuesday: