Reports from Italy and Spain suggest reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin is pushing to exit his Aprilia deal early and has set his sights on a move to the factory Honda team for 2026.
According to Sky Sports Italy, Martin’s preferred destination is Honda, the only manufacturer currently with a confirmed seat available for next season. This comes after Motorsport.com (Spanish edition) reported Martin is attempting to trigger a performance clause in his Aprilia contract that would allow him to walk away at the end of 2025.
Martin’s contract reportedly extends to a second year only if he was among the championship contenders by the French Grand Prix. Due to injury setbacks, including 11 fractured ribs suffered in Qatar, he’s missed nearly the entire season and currently sits last in the standings — 171 points adrift of the championship lead.
Aprilia is said to be preparing to legally contest the clause, possibly citing an extension to the San Marino Grand Prix deadline, but Martin appears eager to explore other options — especially after Aprilia’s lacklustre start to 2025. The manufacturer remains without a podium finish, and its top-ranked rider, rookie Ai Ogura, is only 10th in the standings.
Honda, on the other hand, has seen a resurgence, culminating in Johann Zarco’s stunning win at the wet French GP — its first victory in years. A move to Honda would also reunite Martin with Aleix Espargaro, now a test rider for the Japanese team and a key figure in Martin’s original Aprilia move.
Complicating matters, both Martin and rising star Pedro Acosta share the same manager, Albert Valera — potentially giving Honda more flexibility depending on contract movements.
Aprilia has so far declined to comment, while Honda is staying silent until Martin’s contractual status is officially resolved.
