Why the conflict between Martin and Aprilia has entered a new dimension

The Dutch Grand Prix at Assen will be remembered for many reasons, although most of them were only loosely connected to the sporting action. Marc Marquez made it clear that only he can throw away his shot at a seventh MotoGP crown with a stunning sprint and grand prix double, Diogo Moreira delivered Brazil its first-ever victory in Moto2 and Jose Antonio Rueda took another step toward clinching a Moto3 title that he arguably deserves more than most.

All significant, but nothing extraordinary considering the three riders involved. However, in the Netherlands, there was arguably more activity in the paddock offices and motorhomes than on the track itself. The biggest stir, as has been the case in recent months, was caused by the ongoing conflict between Jorge Martin and Aprilia over differing interpretations of a clause in the contract they signed just over a year ago. A dispute that continues to escalate and, with new players entering the scene, is making reconciliation between the reigning world champion and the Noale-based manufacturer increasingly unlikely.

The crisis is playing out on two levels. One is more superficial and public, visible through statements made by both sides on and off the track. The other involves lawyers and is much more protected from prying eyes and ears, often bound by confidentiality agreements. At Assen, Martin – still recovering from injuries sustained in Qatar – made the first move through his manager, Albert Valera. Valera gave a series of interviews to various media outlets, including Autosport, to clarify his interpretation of the release clause, which, according to him, allows Martin to negotiate and sign with any other team for next season. “The activation of the clause means Jorge is free to sign with whoever he wants for 2026,” he said. “Honda is definitely an option we are considering.”

This message, and especially its tone, was not accidental – it was part of a strategy to shake things up and make it clear, particularly to HRC, that Martín’s desire to wear the golden-wing leathers was unwavering. It was a bold declaration of intent, aimed at prompting a formal offer from Honda.

However, the plan unravelled in less than 24 hours – the time it took for Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta to step in and put the brakes on the route opened by the reigning champion. Like Valera the day before, Ezpeleta also appeared in front of cameras from MotoGP’s broadcasting partners and issued a stern warning: “As Dorna, MSMA (the manufacturers’ association), and IRTA (the teams’ association), we cannot allow the registration of any rider in the championship who is not free – whether declared so by a judge or by mutual agreement between both parties. Aprilia says it has a valid contract with Martín, while his representative claims he is free. For us to accept it, both parties must agree, or a judge must rule on the matter.”

Autosport understands that Liberty Media’s recent acquisition of Dorna influenced Ezpeleta’s decision to step in and restore order.

Aprilia seized the opportunity to underline that the promoter’s words legitimised their stance. “Our intention was to remain neutral, but Carmelo’s statements invite us to take a position. He was very clear: no one can sign with another brand if they still have a contract in place,” said Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO.

The new element in Rivola’s remarks was the first acknowledgment of a possible resolution that could see Martín leaving Aprilia in 2026: “Our priority is to retain the rider. If that’s not possible, we either sit down and reach an agreement, or we go to court.”

Amidst all this, Alberto Puig, Honda team manager, also chimed in to emphasise that HRC deals with riders, not manufacturers, and that Martín – via his agent – has told them he is free to commit for 2026. “We do not get involved in situations where a rider has a contract with another brand. But if he says he is free, then he must be. Honda talks to riders, not factories. If we feel we need to talk to Martín, we will – and we’ll go by what he tells us,” said Puig.

At this point, everything boils down to timing and Aprilia holds the upper hand. Given the escalating tensions, it’s hard to imagine Martín riding the RS-GP next year. That scenario would be more problematic for Aprilia than for the rider, who would be forced to race on a bike against his will – potentially damaging the brand’s image. However, this doesn’t necessarily put the Italian company at a disadvantage.

Martin wants to resolve the situation quickly, but the legal route is far from speedy. The fact that the trial would take place in Italy raises concerns for Martin, both due to Piaggio Group’s possible influence and the timelines involved: winning a legal case to be free by mid-2026 would be of little use.

Jorge Martin, Aprilia event at Misano

Photo by: Aprilia Racing

The alternative is to reach a financial settlement in the form of compensation. Autosport understands that this is already being discussed, though the initial positions are still far apart. Meanwhile, Aprilia is already exploring the market in search of a suitable replacement.

Martin’s urgency to sign with HRC stands in stark contrast to Aprilia’s slow, calculated approach as it is fully aware that it controls how and when the whole affair will be resolved.