Jorge Martin is set to make a U-turn on his 2026 MotoGP contract decision and remain with Aprilia, according to reports from Spanish outlet AS.
The World Champion has been in a dispute with the Italian manufacturer over his contract since May, when he exercised his right to leave through a performance-based clause.
Aprilia denied the circumstances of Martin’s situation allowed the clause to be activated and threatened legal action if the contract was not honoured.
Martin’s manager Albert Valera expressed his rider’s continued ambition to leave Aprilia at the DutchGP in Assen with a potential factory ride at Honda available.
However, according to reports in Spain it appears the World Champion will now remain with Aprilia for the 2026 season.
It is unclear whether Martin had difficulty with activating the clause, but AS reported that the Spaniard’s representatives became wary of both the legal and competitive implications the dispute would have.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta admitted in Assen that the World Champion would not be allowed to join another manufacturer without a resolution with Aprilia being reached.
Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola stated the manufacturer’s position “is still the same” despite the reports about Martin’s future.
“Regarding the future, I have no news,” Rivola said in Friday’s press conference.
“My position, our position, is still the same as day one. I think we didn’t move by a finger on that. For us, there is no news, because we think that the future is already fixed.
“Obviously we are quite focused on that, we are looking forward, we can’t wait to see him back. We will give him his time, we said already last time ‘take your time’ and it wasn’t enough maybe, now we give him even more than he needs.
“I tell you that in Misano he was ready to have a very last run and I said ‘I think it’s OK like this’, and he stopped. So I’m super positive.”
Rivola was also asked about any potential approaches for Martin by other manufacturers, following reported interest from Honda.
“There’s not much really to say,” Rivola said.
“I mean, if the rider had this desire for a moment, I think he had his reason to do it, and obviously someone did it.
“There’s not much to say and to add. I think you know more than anyone else about this story. That’s it.”
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