MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has expressed that he understands the negative reaction from the public when he tried to exit his 2026 contract with Aprilia. Earlier in May, despite being sidelined due to injury, Martin announced his intention to attend the French Grand Prix and activate a performance clause in his contract to become a free agent for the 2026 season.
This led to a week-long standoff, with Aprilia insisting the contract would be honored until the end of 2026, while Martin maintained that he legally had the right to leave. The conflict escalated during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend when Martin’s manager, Albert Varera, declared on the MotoGP world feed that Martin would have “no contract” with Aprilia in 2026. Aprilia then threatened legal action.
Reports suggest that Martin’s camp wanted the legal process to move quickly, seeing it as their only advantage. However, before the summer break and ahead of the Czech Grand Prix, Martin confirmed he would stay with Aprilia for the duration of his contract.
Throughout this period, Martin faced significant criticism from fans and media, largely because he sought to activate performance clauses for bikes he barely raced in 2025 due to injuries. Speaking during the Czech Grand Prix weekend, Martin said: “Fans are the engines of our sport and our lives. Without them, it would be impossible to keep racing these bikes. But at some point, I can understand their feelings. I did what I believed was best for my life and future. I hope some fans will support me again, but I’m not focusing on the criticism—I’m concentrating on getting stronger with my team and family.”
During the UK Grand Prix, an Aprilia spokesperson conveyed disappointment over the harsh social media backlash Martin received. After returning to racing at Brno, Martin improved his position from 12th to 7th on the grid and said he felt “at home” with the team.
Fan Take: This situation highlights the complex relationship between riders, teams, and fans, reminding us how contractual disputes can impact public perception. For racing fans, Martin’s journey is a pivotal storyline that could influence future team dynamics and the enforcement of performance clauses in MotoGP contracts.
