Contract with a back door: Martin’s exit clause
When Jorge Martin signed a two-year contract with Aprilia after the 2024 Mugello Grand Prix, he left an important option open in his contract: if he was not among the title contenders after the French GP at Le Mans in 2025, he could opt out of the second year of the contract (2026). A so-called performance clause, which was anchored in the contract at the request of his management.
This scenario has now come to pass: Due to several injuries, the Spaniard has been unable to take part in five of the six races so far this season and ranks at the bottom of the standings with zero points after the Le Mans weekend. This sporting situation theoretically allows him to reorient himself contractually.
Bad luck with injuries and lack of progress
Martin’s 2025 season has been dramatic so far: two pre-season injuries meant that he missed the first three races. His premature comeback in Qatar ended in another injury – a pneumothorax that forced him to spend a long time in hospital in Doha. A return before the German GP at the Sachsenring in mid-July is considered unlikely.
At the same time, Aprilia did not deliver the expected results: The best-placed rider on an RS-GP is currently Ai Ogura from the Trackhouse team in 10th place in the overall standings. Martin’s team-mate Marco Bezzecchi is only 12th with 38 points – a long way behind championship leader Marc Márquez (Ducati) with 171 points. Aprilia is also in last place in the Manufacturers’ Championship.
Behind the scenes: Talks and consequences
According to information from Motorsport.com Spain, Martin was not officially present at the Le Mans weekend, but held intensive talks in the background. At lunch with his team, he informed Aprilia that he wanted to pull the exit clause. The reaction from Noale: shock. They are considering legal action and argue that the clause does not apply due to the injury-related absences. Aprilia also rejected an extension offered by Martin until the San Marino GP in September.
The possible switch to Honda
With Ducati, KTM and Yamaha largely occupied, a switch to Honda appears to be the most likely option. Luca Marini’s contract with the Honda works team expires at the end of the season. Honda – the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world – would have the budget and the interest to secure the services of the reigning world champion on a long-term basis. According to insiders, a high-paying three-year contract is being discussed. HRC is also planning a realignment with a view to the 2027 MotoGP regulations and wants to return to the top.
After his victory in Le Mans, Johann Zarco confirmed that he will remain with Honda – but it remains to be seen whether he will join the works team or a satellite team. Honda will only make an official statement once Martin’s contractual situation with Aprilia has been finally clarified.
Conclusion: A decision with far-reaching consequences
The case of Jorge Martin shows how fragile contracts in MotoGP can be – especially with performance-related clauses. One thing is clear: neither Aprilia nor Martin will benefit from an enforced employment relationship. Should the world champion actually decide to move, this would once again shake up the transfer market. The next few weeks could be groundbreaking – both in sporting and legal terms.
