With reports suggesting that reigning world champion Jorge Martin is aiming to leave Aprilia at the end of the 2025 MotoGP season, the focus now turns to who could take his place in 2026. Although Martin is still under contract, a potential legal battle looms, and it seems unlikely he will continue with Aprilia beyond next year.
This creates a challenging scenario for Aprilia. Most rider contracts across the grid are already locked in through 2026, limiting the pool of available talent. While it’s highly unlikely they will land another world champion, several names are being discussed as possible replacements.
Luca Marini is one of the standout options. Currently at Honda, he brings valuable experience and a reputation for strong development feedback—something Aprilia could benefit from. His contract status also makes him a viable candidate.
Franco Morbidelli and Ai Ogura are other realistic possibilities. Ogura has shown promise on the Aprilia this year and could be a safe, short-term choice. Meanwhile, Morbidelli remains an experienced and consistent performer.
Aprilia might also consider looking to Moto2. Manu Gonzalez, for instance, has past ties with Yamaha and could be an interesting low-cost gamble—especially if he secures a strong championship result.
Another name being floated is Enea Bastianini. His move to KTM hasn’t panned out as hoped, and with Aprilia’s preference for Italian riders, he could be a good fit for their lineup.
Finally, Jack Miller stands out as a wildcard option. With experience across multiple manufacturers—Honda, Ducati, KTM, and Yamaha—Miller’s adaptability and factory experience could be exactly what Aprilia needs, especially if they’re seeking a solid development rider.
While Martin’s exit is not yet official, all signs point to Aprilia needing to find a replacement. The list of candidates may not include a reigning champion, but there are still strong, experienced options on the table.
