Jorge Martín has publicly announced his decision to leave Aprilia Racing ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season, citing a contractual clause that allows him to exit if certain performance benchmarks are not met. In a statement shared via social media, Martín clarified that his contract, signed in 2024, included a provision permitting him to opt out if, after six races, no Aprilia bike was positioned among the top five in the championship standings. Despite not having completed any races due to injuries, he emphasized that the clause remains valid and that he is exercising it to explore other opportunities for the 2026 season.
Martín expressed his gratitude toward Aprilia for their support and clarified that his decision is not a result of any conflict with the team. He remains committed to fulfilling his current contract through the end of the 2025 season, participating in all scheduled events, and maintaining a professional relationship with the team.
This development has led to speculation about Martín’s future in MotoGP, with potential interest from teams such as Honda, especially following Luca Marini’s injury. However, no official announcements regarding his next team have been made. Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has responded to Martín’s decision by highlighting the team’s recent successes and the capabilities of the RS-GP bike, aiming to retain his services.
As the situation evolves, fans and industry observers will be closely watching Martín’s next steps and the implications for the 2026 MotoGP season.