Marc Marquez chose not to comment directly on the ongoing uncertainty around Jorge Martin’s future at Aprilia, as the reigning MotoGP champion deals with injury issues. However, Marquez made clear that his own departure from Honda at the end of 2023, despite having a year left on his contract, was “completely different.” The contrast comes amid rumors triggered by a performance clause in Martin’s deal that may be causing tensions with Aprilia, suggesting the Spaniard could leave during his new two-year contract.
Aprilia responded officially just before the British MotoGP, declaring that Martin’s contract remains valid through the end of 2026 and must be respected by both parties. The team denied any negotiations to alter the contract’s length, stating:
The team has no comment on matters that do not directly concern it but expects other teams to refrain from making any kind of offer to riders who are under contract. Such behaviour would, in any case, not be legitimate.
This statement aimed to clarify Aprilia’s position amid speculation regarding Martin’s status with the team.
Marquez reflects on his own Honda exit compared to Martin’s contract issues
When asked for his thoughts on Jorge Martin’s contract drama, Marquez emphasized his preference to hear directly from Martin or his team before drawing conclusions.
“I want to wait [until] Martin or his team speak about it, because we don’t know what is real or not,”
he explained.
“I saw [the Aprilia statement] but it was normal because they are here and [the media] will ask them a lot of things.”
I don’t know if it’s real or not, so let’s see,” he repeated. “I respect them, so we will wait for Martin and his team.
Addressing questions about his own premature exit from Honda, Marquez described the circumstances as quite different from Martin’s case. Having dealt with multiple injuries over four years, Marquez stressed the positive history he shared with Honda:
“First of all, because I was coming from four years with a lot of injuries. Second thing, I give – or we achieved, because in the end we are a team – we achieved 6 World Championships together with Honda.
“We had an amazing relationship. Even now we have a very good relationship.”
He also noted the financial aspect that influenced his departure:
“Because honestly speaking the amount of budget they spent on my salary was not necessary. Because they needed to invest in their project. Not for a rider to finish in 10th, 11th, 13th, where I was finishing at that time.”
So my relationship with them was super special and was a mutual agreement.
Current form and championship standings ahead of British MotoGP
While Jorge Martin’s future at Aprilia remains uncertain, Marquez holds a 22-point lead over his younger brother Alex Marquez as the MotoGP series approaches the British round. Now riding for factory Ducati, Marquez has dominated the Sprint sessions with six wins and claimed victory in three Grands Prix this season.
Despite suffering crashes in two other events, the Spaniard’s only defeat on track without falling came at Le Mans, where he finished as runner-up in a challenging dry-to-wet race. His strong performances highlight his competitiveness as the season advances.
