Martin Signals Exit from Aprilia at Season’s End Amid Injury-Stricken 2025

Jorge Martín, the reigning MotoGP champion, has confirmed his intention to leave Aprilia at the end of the 2025 season, citing a performance-linked exit clause that he feels he must now activate. Martín aimed to inform Aprilia management of his decision this week, formally breaking his silence amid swirling speculation about his future.

Credit: Motorsport.com

The clause—integrated into his two-year contract—grants Martín the option to walk away if, by the end of the sixth round at Le Mans, he isn’t in serious contention for the MotoGP title. Given his season has been plagued by injuries and minimal racing, Martín is now opting to exercise that right.

In a composed statement via social media, Martín emphasized his professionalism and respect for the agreement. “At no point have I breached the contract,” he asserted. He explained that the performance clause was vital in agreeing to a two-year deal, allowing him to gauge the team’s working methods under real racing conditions before fully committing. Now, he insists he is merely following through on an understood agreement, guided by those same initial principles.

Aprilia, however, has taken a firm stance. The team insists that Martín remains under contract through 2026, with no negotiations underway to alter that arrangement. Officials have also cautioned other teams against approaching the Spanish champion prematurely.

Martin’s limited track time this year compounds the situation. Wild crashes during pre-season and at the Qatar GP have kept him sidelined for most of the season, leaving him with no points and insufficient data to accurately measure the competitiveness of Aprilia’s RS-GP.

Despite the legal and strategic implications, Martín reassured fans and stakeholders that relations remain cordial. “There is no conflict or blame,” he said, underlining his desire to move ahead with clarity after a challenging and injury-marred return to racing.

As the season progresses, all eyes will turn to the rider market. Martín’s movement—or the possibility of retaining a seat with Aprilia—could trigger a significant reshuffle. For now, the paddock waits as Martín and Aprilia navigate this complex phase.