Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has emphasized that Jorge Martin needs to have confidence in himself rather than feeling pressured to prove his speed at the start of the 2026 MotoGP season. Martin, who won the 2024 world championship, only participated in seven races during his debut season with Aprilia due to multiple injuries.
Despite this, he showed glimpses of his potential, particularly in Hungary where he climbed from 18th on the grid to finish fourth shortly after recovering from his third significant injury. However, Martin is still getting accustomed to the bike as his track time has been limited.
After the Valencia race, Rivola noted that Martin recognizes the capabilities of the Aprilia bike but must believe in himself to fully leverage that potential. Rivola also mentioned that both Martin and his teammate Marco Bezzecchi are intelligent riders. He pointed out that as a world champion, Martin faces high expectations but should allow himself the time to adapt rather than rushing to prove his speed, as pressing too hard too soon can lead to setbacks.
During the year, Martin attempted to break his 2026 contract with Aprilia, citing a performance clause, but Aprilia rejected this and threatened legal action since he had limited riding time. Ultimately, Martin decided to honor the second year of his contract before the Czech Grand Prix. Rivola also revealed in a recent documentary that Martin’s manager had informed him about an offer from Honda for the 2024 champion.
Despite the challenges off the track, Aprilia had one of their strongest MotoGP seasons ever, achieving four Grand Prix wins and finishing second in the Manufacturers’ Championship.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for racing enthusiasts as it highlights the often unseen mental battle riders face along with physical challenges. Jorge Martin’s journey with Aprilia could shape the competitiveness of the 2026 season and offers a compelling narrative about perseverance and trust in one’s abilities within MotoGP.
