The 2024 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin may be on the verge of a dramatic split from Aprilia Racing—despite having a valid contract until 2026. According to paddock whispers and recent reports, Martin’s manager Albert Valera is once again attempting a bold contract exit strategy that echoes a similar move he pulled off back in 2020.
So, what’s going on between Jorge Martin and Aprilia? Let’s break down the high-stakes game playing out behind the scenes in MotoGP—and what it could mean for the future.
Deja Vu from 2020? Valera’s Bold Contract Playbook
This isn’t the first time Valera has tried to outmaneuver a contract with a factory team. Back in 2020, while Martin was racing in Moto2 for Red Bull KTM Ajo, he lost a shot at the title after missing races due to COVID-19. Despite finishing 5th in the championship—just enough to activate a performance-related exit clause—Valera used the situation to get Martin out of his KTM contract and into a MotoGP seat with Pramac Ducati for 2021.
The cost of that KTM exit? A mere €40,000. But KTM has regretted that decision ever since—especially now that another Valera-managed rider, Pedro Acosta, is eyeing a Ducati move of his own for 2026.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Valera is attempting to use a similar clause in Martin’s Aprilia contract. Aprilia had included a performance-based release condition allowing Martin to terminate the 2026 portion of his deal—but only if he was outside the top five in the championship standings after the first five races.
Well, due to two major injuries this season, Martin hasn’t scored a single point after nine rounds. The clause technically applies. But Aprilia isn’t backing down and allowing this one easy.
Aprilia Isn’t Letting Go Without a Fight
Despite the clause, Aprilia wants to hold onto its world champion. With Aleix Espargaró announcing his retirement and their long-time technical director Romano Albesiano recently leaving for HRC, Aprilia’s leadership sees Martin as their anchor for the future.
Even with Honda aggressively pursuing Martin for a factory seat, Aprilia is not willing to release him without serious compensation—or a legal ruling.
Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta is reportedly trying to keep things civil. Word from Mugello is that Martin will only be allowed to race for another manufacturer in 2026 if Aprilia agrees to release him—or if a court rules in his favor. The same goes for Pedro Acosta and his KTM situation.
Is Aleix Espargaro Stirring the Pot again from Honda?
There’s speculation that Aleix Espargaro, now part of Honda’s revamped MotoGP project, may have played a role in influencing Martin’s thinking. Espargaro and Martin shared a close bond at Aprilia and was one of the reasons Martin jumped from Ducati, and with HRC on the hunt for top-tier talent, it’s no surprise Honda is trying to lure Martin into helping turn their fortunes around.
The Japanese manufacturer hasn’t seen a win since 2021 and is desperate for a revival. Signing Martin would be a major coup—and a huge blow to Aprilia.
What’s Next for Jorge Martin?
This is shaping up to be one of the biggest off-track dramas of the 2025 MotoGP season. With Martin currently out of action due to injury, his racing future hangs in limbo as the lawyers and executives do their dance behind the scenes.
Will Aprilia agree to a buyout? Will Dorna intervene? Or will Martin have to stick it out until 2026?
