Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has confirmed he does not regret the recent contractual disagreement with Aprilia that has dominated headlines this year. After months of uncertainty and injury setbacks, Martin will continue with Aprilia through the 2026 season, ending speculation over his future.
Martin signed a two-year deal with Aprilia starting in 2025, leaving Pramac Ducati. However, he sought to activate a contract clause allowing him to exit if he was not a title contender by the sixth race at Le Mans. Due to injuries restricting him to a single start so far this year, Martin argued he could no longer realistically defend his championship.
Background and Details of the Contractual Dispute
The clause in Martin’s contract provided an option to leave Aprilia if he wasn’t challenging for the championship by mid-season. After only participating in the Qatar Grand Prix, where he crashed while nursing several severe injuries, Martin officially expressed his intent to depart from Aprilia. This situation sparked months of discussions and uncertainty surrounding the rider’s loyalty and future.
The standoff was formally resolved during the German Grand Prix weekend when Dorna, the MotoGP series organizer, intervened to facilitate an agreement. Martin announced he would remain with Aprilia, setting aside all differences as he prepared for his comeback at the Czech Grand Prix.
Martin Reflects on the Difficult Months and His Decision
Speaking openly about the challenging period, Martin emphasized that every decision was made with his future in mind, expressing no regrets about the dispute.
“Everything that I did in these few months was what I thought was better for my future and me,”
he stated. The MotoGP star detailed how his injuries, including 12 broken ribs and a pneumothorax, caused immense physical and mental strain during his recovery.
Nobody can understand when you are in the hospital with 12 broken ribs, that you can not sleep for one week. Nobody can understand what was running through my mind.
— Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing
Despite the hardships, Martin confirmed his happiness to return to MotoGP and continue racing for Aprilia.
“I’m really happy to be here again. It was a really difficult 6 or 7 months suffering a lot with a lot of injuries, but finally, I’m happy to be here and to be back in MotoGP. Finally, I’m happy to say that I’ll continue with Aprilia for 2026.”
Handling Tensions and Emphasizing Communication Within the Team
Martin acknowledged that the contractual tensions created some strain between him and Aprilia, but stressed that open communication remains central to their relationship moving forward.
“For sure, when you arrive in the paddock after all the situation being out of the paddock, you can feel a bit of the tension,”
he admitted.
“At the end of the day, the most important thing between the rider and the team is the communication, to speak.”
He emphasized mutual respect and honesty, rejecting the idea he owes an apology for his actions.
“And no, I did not apologise to them because I feel I don’t need to apologise for anything. I did what was the best for my career and now we are together so we speak together.”
Looking ahead, Martin expressed his commitment to strengthening team unity.
“If they feel I have to do something to improve the relationship, I will do it and for me it is very important to have a family in the paddock. I will work hard to make this family so we are ready for what’s coming.”
Potential Alternatives and Rebuilding Trust with Aprilia
Had Martin exercised his right to leave Aprilia for the 2025 season, factory Honda was believed to be a leading option. However, Martin clarified that other opportunities existed, adding a human element to the situation.
“Honda was an option, but it was not the only option I have to say,”
he remarked. Comparing relationships to a rollercoaster, he explained how conflicts can occur even when intentions are good.
You can fall in love, then you have some fights, but finally if you like the other person at the end of the day, you will work hard to stay together and fight for your targets.
He highlighted that despite a significant disagreement with Aprilia, the team and he have chosen to move forward with shared ambitions.
“This is the point we are now. I can not say anything happened. For sure, we had a big fight with Aprilia, but now is the time to start to build together because we both want to be together at the moment and we want to win in the future, so this is the important thing. It’s possible to get back in love, let’s say.”
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. The truth is that entertainment often attracts more attention than sports. MotoGP is trying to benefit from this trend. However, the current MotoGP lacks interesting personalities to create engaging drama.
Q. Why isn’t MotoGP popular?
A. It’s not as popular as football. Even with heavy advertising by Liberty Media, most people, about 90%, aren’t interested in motorcycling. If society lacked entertainment choices, this might change, but that’s not the case.
Q. Is MotoGP cheaper than F1?
A. The Ministry of Youth and Sports stated that hosting Formula One costs four times as much as organizing MotoGP. Additionally, MotoGP is also less expensive to hold than Formula E.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is well-known for being the sole World Champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1. He showcased the same talent and courage in both sports.
