Jorge Martin confirms he wants to leave Aprilia at end of MotoGP season, activates release clause
Updated 29/05/2025 at 12:23 GMT+1
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Defending world MotoGP champion Jorge Martin has confirmed that he wants to leave Aprilia at the end of the season - but said he could yet reassess the decision when back racing. Martin confirmed the reports of a clause that allows him to leave his contract early, which is contingent on his performance after six rounds of MotoGP action. The Spaniard is currently bottom with zero points.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has confirmed he intends to leave Aprilia at the end of the 2025 season.
In a statement released by Martin on Thursday, the Spaniard revealed he will exercise a clause in his contract that allows him to release himself for the 2026 season.
The clause allows Martin to walk away from the team after round six, the French Grand Prix, if he is not in contention for the title.
Martin has been plagued by injuries since his championship win and has only participated in a single round, leaving him bottom of the standings with zero points.
"At no time have I ever breached the contract," Martin said.
"When we signed it, I agreed with Aprilia that, if certain circumstances were not met, I reserved the right to decide my future for 2026. This was an essential condition for me to accept the contract proposal they offered me at that time.
"When I made the decision to change manufacturers last year, one of my premises was to have the possibility to test the bike in real circumstances and to understand the team and its working methodology.
"In this way, I could feel comfortable signing for two years instead of one, and so we included that condition."
He continued: "Faced with the situation of having to make a decision on a date that is established by contract, I have decided to exercise my right to release myself for the 2026 season.
"I have always done so respectfully, clearly and with the sole intention of taking control of my future as a professional athlete."
Martin has suffered three crashes this season, and a particularly nasty fall at the Qatar Grand Prix, which resulted in a collapsed lung and 11 broken ribs.
"Unfortunately, the circumstances that have occurred as a result of the crashes, although it is true that they do not affect what we agreed, have conditioned this phase.
"That is why I have always been open to dialogue with Aprilia to extend this period to a certain number of Grand Prix after my return to competition. The aim is that both parties can give each other a second chance and feel comfortable before making a decision for 2026."
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Highlights: Bezzecchi wins chaotic British GP as Marc Marquez snatches third with late move
Video credit: TNT Sports
Martin emphasised that there had been no confrontations or conflict between him and the manufacturer, who are third in the standings after seven rounds.
"I have always been honest with Aprilia, I have always valued the bike, the team and the effort of all the people who are part of the project. The only thing I ask is that my will and the spirit of what we agreed at the time with Aprilia be respected.
"There is no conflict or reproach. I just want to be able to look ahead with clarity, after very difficult times and a very serious injury, and to continue to give the best of myself" on and off the track."
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Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi won the British GP whilst Martin was sidelined by injury, and the noise surrounding Silverstone included the clause that would allow him to bring his two-year deal to a close early.
Martin has left the door ajar, however slim it may be, of staying at Aprila, but should their relationship prove irreconcilable, Honda is understood to be an ideal option for Martin's 2026 season.
Watch and stream the MotoGP Grand Prix Great Britain live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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