Reigning MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin has continued his 2026 contract dispute with Aprilia, despite a potential return in Brno.
Martin joined Aprilia for the 2025 campaign after failing to secure a factory Ducati seat, but a tumultuous time with injuries has limited the Spaniard to just one race weekend with his new team.
After the World Champion suffered a pneumothorax injury on his return in Qatar, combined with a perceived underperformance of the Aprilia, Martin was reported to be looking for an early exit from his contract.
The Spanish rider confirmed via social media in May that he activated a release clause which sees him able to sign with another manufacturer for 2026.
Aprilia refuted suggestions that Martin would be free to join another team and stated they would consider any action necessary to make sure the contract is honoured – including a potential court appeal.
While both sides have remained quiet since their initial statements, Martin’s manager Albert Valera told the MotoGP world feed at Assen that he expected his rider to be “free of contract” for 2026.
“It’s pretty clear for us he executes the clause that he has in the contract, we’re just following the contract,” Valera said.
“For the moment, we cannot talk about any third parties or first because maybe it’s still not the right moment to talk and to understand other offers.
“The first thing we need to do is to make sure Jorge wants to execute that clause, he did it, he’s announced it in a statement.
“We deeply believe that he’s free, and from the moment that we defend Jorge’s freedom, we’re able to talk to other manufacturers.
“You asked me about Honda, it’s an option as well for next year.”
Massimo Rivola ‘to protect the Aprilia brand at all costs’ amid Jorge Martin talks
Despite Valera’s statements, Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta revealed Martin would not be allowed to register with another manufacturer for 2026 if he fails to reach a settlement with Aprilia.
“As Dorna, MSMA and IRTA, we will not accept the registration in the world championship of any rider who is not free, either through a judge’s ruling or through having reached an agreement with the other party,” Ezpeleta told Sky Italia.
“Aprilia says it has a contract with Martin, while his agent, Valera, says he is free. For us to accept [an entry], the two parties have to come to an agreement, or a judge will decide on the case.”
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola said he had no plans to comment on Martin’s future, but reinforced the manufacturer wants Martin to commit to his contract following the comments from Valera and Ezpeleta.
“Our position does not change, the rider is under contract with us and as Carmelo said, in this case he is not free to go anywhere,” Rivola said via GPOne.
“Our priority is that he changes his mind, because I think we could fight together for the championship. We could have done it this year and we could do it next year, [Marco] Bezzecchi has shown it is possible.
“That’s it, we will do everything to protect the company. Nothing has changed as far as our position is concerned.
“For us, the rider is under contract with us. And as Carmelo said today, if a rider is contracted with us or, there would be any kind of dispute – so not free from Aprilia – they cannot go anywhere.”
“There are only two options. Either we find an agreement and we need to sit down and speak, seriously. Or we go to court. We are ready to do both.”
