Reigning world champion Jorge Martin has been told that the only way to mend his fractured relationship with Aprilia is through winning races.
As the Spanish star prepares for a high-pressure return at the Czech Grand Prix in Brno—his first race back since injury and only his second ever for Aprilia—the fallout from his contract saga looms large.
After attempting to activate an exit clause and leave Aprilia just months into his tenure, Martin now finds himself at the center of legal threats from the Italian manufacturer. Reports in Spain suggest he may backtrack and remain with Aprilia for 2026, but the damage may already be done.
“If Martin wins races, everything will be forgiven and forgotten,” said Crash MotoGP’s Peter McLaren on their podcast. “But he has to do that. If you win in MotoGP, you can get away with a lot.”
McLaren emphasized that Aprilia has given Martin a race-winning machine—proven by Marco Bezzecchi’s recent victory at Silverstone and podium at Assen—and it’s now up to the Spaniard to prove why Aprilia signed him in the first place.
“This whole situation, which feels unnecessary, has not been great for him. He needs to deliver more than ever.”
Martin, who moved from Pramac Ducati after winning the 2024 title, has been on the sidelines much of the year. During that time, Bezzecchi has not only emerged as Aprilia’s leading man but also spearheaded development of the RS-GP.
“There is a lot of bridge-building,” McLaren added. “In years to come people will say, ‘the reigning champion left Ducati for Aprilia, then wanted out before doing a handful of races, while his teammate was fighting for podiums…’ It just won’t make sense.”
Fellow journalist Lewis Duncan noted the optics: “This is a defeat for Martin. He made a bet and lost it. He must swallow his pride, ride hard, and show respect to Aprilia.”
Martin is expected to clarify his future during a special press conference on Thursday ahead of the Brno race, but insiders warn that no words can erase the saga—only results can.
“If he doesn’t win, and then moves elsewhere and still doesn’t win, the footnote of his career will be: ‘he imploded by behaving in a manner unbefitting of a world champion.’”
Martin now faces what may be the defining stretch of his MotoGP career. Will he deliver? Or will this chapter become a cautionary tale of politics over performance?
