Jorge Martin comments for the first time on his planned departure from Aprilia at the end of the season – exit clause was a key condition of the contract
Jorge Martin intends to invoke an exit clause in his contract with Aprilia and leave the team at the end of the season. He informed the team members of his decision during a visit to the French Grand Prix.
The clause allows the reigning MotoGP world champion to leave after the sixth race of 2025 – i.e. after the French Grand Prix three weeks ago – provided he is not fighting for top positions in the world championship at that time.
Two weeks after Le Mans, Aprilia released a statement at Silverstone emphasizing that the contract is valid and binding until the end of 2026. Shortly thereafter, Martin wrote on Instagram that he would soon tell his side of the story. Now the time has come.
“I have not breached the contract at any time,” he said in a statement on his Instagram profile. ”When the contract was signed, I agreed with Aprilia that I would reserve the right to determine my own future for 2026 if certain conditions were not met.”
“This clause was an essential prerequisite for me to sign the contract in the first place. When I decided to make the switch, one of my key conditions was to test the bike under real conditions and get to know how the team works.”
“This allowed me to sign for two years with confidence instead of just one year – that’s why this condition was included,” said Martin. Due to his injuries, which have so far only allowed him to start in Qatar, he is clearly not in a top position in the World Championship.
Aprilia, on the other hand, argues that the two injuries – one that prevented him from participating in the first three races and another that he suffered in Doha and which put him out of action for further races – render the clause null and void and inapplicable.
However, Martin insists: “In view of the deadline specified in the contract, I have decided to exercise my right to terminate the contract for 2026. I have always done so with respect, transparency and with the aim of taking control of my future as an athlete.”
“Unfortunately, the circumstances caused by the accidents – even if they do not change the agreement – have influenced this phase. That is why I have always been open to dialogue with Aprilia to extend this evaluation phase to a certain number of races from my return.”
“The goal was for both sides to give each other a second chance and feel comfortable before making a decision for 2026.” Martin also emphasizes that his relationship with Aprilia is not conflict-ridden: “I have always been honest with Aprilia.”
“I appreciate the bike, the team, and the work of everyone involved in the project. I just hope that my motives and the spirit of our agreement are respected. There is no conflict, no blame.”
“I just want to look ahead with clarity after going through difficult moments and a serious injury, and continue to give my best on and off the track.” In the statement, he also thanks his fans for their understanding and support.