Reigning World Champion Jorge Martin has released a statement confirming he intends to leave Aprilia at the end of the current MotoGP season.
Reports from Motorsport in Spain suggested Martin was looking for a potential exit from the Italian manufacturer one year into his two-year deal.
According to these reports, the Spanish rider has a performance clause in his contract with Aprilia which allows him not to take up the second year of his deal.
Martin released a cryptic statement on social media last week where he suggested he would “reveal his side of the story soon”, and has confirmed he intends to leave the Noale factory.
“I would like to share with all the fans, media and people who follow my career a clear explanation about my situation with Aprilia,” Martin’s statement read.
“At no time have I ever breached the contract. When we signed it, I agreed with Aprilia that, if circumstances were not met, I reserved the right to decide my future for 2026.
“This was an essential condition for me to accept the contract proposal they offered me at the time.”
The reigning World Champion confirmed one of the “premises” of his decision to join Aprilia was to be able to test the RS-GP in “real circumstances”.
This is something he has been unable to do due to the injuries he suffered in both the pre-season and at the Qatar GP.
Martin continued: “Faced with the situation of having to make a decision on a date that is established by contract, I have decided to exercise my right to release myself 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.”
Jorge Martin: ‘I have always been open and honest with Aprilia’
The Spanish rider also admitted he was open to extending these conditions until after he returns to MotoGP action, but Aprilia denied this would happen in its statement ahead of the British GP.
The World Champion’s statement suggested this was one of the reasons for making the decision.
“I have always been honest with Aprilia,” Martin added, “I have always valued the bike, the team and the effort of all the people who are part of the project.
“The only thing I ask is that my will and spirit of what we agreed at the time with Aprilia be respected.
“There is no conflict or reproach. I just want to be able to look ahead with clarity after very difficult times and a very serious injury, and to continue to give the best of myself on and off the track.”
Aprilia is yet to comment on Martin’s statement despite his intention to leave the manufacturer.
