All We Know About the Jorge Martin MotoGP Contract Drama
MotoGP champion Jorge Martin could split from Aprilia just months after signing. Here’s the full story behind the contract clause, his injuries, and the factory fallout.
The spotlight returned to Jorge Martin’s future with Aprilia after a carefully worded statement from the Italian factory dropped ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
But while speculation around a potential Honda move brews, Aleix Espargaro – Martin’s close friend and the man he replaced at Aprilia – is making it clear where his loyalty lies.
Espargaro, who stepped away from full-time racing last year and is now making a wildcard appearance for Honda, played a pivotal role in getting Martin onto the Aprilia. That much he openly admits.
“I don’t want to say it’s my fault or credit that Jorge is with Aprilia, but I pushed Aprilia very hard, and I tried to convince Jorge as much as I could,” he says.
“He had to choose between two or three factories, and I did everything to make him pick Aprilia.”
But as rumors swirl that Martin might be tempted away again – this time to Honda – Espargaro insists he’s staying out of it.
“I swear I never told him to go to Honda. It’s not the right moment,” Espargaro says firmly.
“Jorge is an incredible rider, and of course every team wants the world champion. But I want to see him win – and with Aprilia. I respect his decision, though.”
“No one here, not even me, can understand how much he suffered in those first three, four months,” he explains.
“When you’re in a situation like that, you never know what you’ll do. That’s why we have to respect his decision.”
Though no longer an Aprilia rider himself, Espargaro still defends the team passionately.
“I always felt the Aprilia management treated me incredibly well. I have huge respect for that team,” he says.
“They’ve got the perfect balance between competitiveness and a family feeling.”
For Espargaro, racing for Aprilia wasn’t just a job – it was deeply personal. “I was very, very happy there. I always felt like I was their Valentino Rossi.”
But he’s also clear this isn’t about choosing sides between brands. “It’s not about me, or Aprilia.”
“It’s about a rider who was at the top and suddenly finds himself at the bottom. It’s really hard to understand what you’d do in that kind of situation. But I’ll respect everything and try to be there for him.”
That bond – the friendship between Martin and Espargaro – has come under extra scrutiny recently. A harmless Instagram comment by Espargaro sparked headlines.
“It wasn’t even about bikes,” he laughs. “He was at my house for dinner last night, and we joked about it. But you have to be so careful.”
Behind the jokes, though, there’s concern. Martin’s recovery is slow and uncertain. According to Espargaro, even his manager Albert Valera asked him to avoid discussing Martin publicly.
“That’s the best thing. Once you start, you can’t stop. But I know the situation isn’t easy, so I’m trying to respect his moment.”
“He’s struggling, and it’s really hard for people outside to understand what he’s going through. He’s coming from a very tough moment.”
As a friend and former paddock peer, Espargaro has one message: stick close to those who matter.
“He’s in a difficult place, especially mentally. What I tell him is: stay close to the people who love you.”
“That’s the only thing that helps. If you’re alone, everything turns negative.”
He even encourages Martin to find joy in small wins – like “a walk in the mountains, capped with pizza”. “Those little things are so important. In the end, they make the difference.”
On the physical side, Espargaro says Martin has finally felt a breakthrough over the past week.
“He started running, going to the mountains, beginning to live a normal life. He still can’t train, but at least he’s living normally again.”
“That’s already a big improvement. But of course, mentally, he’s still fighting. It’s a serious injury. He’s lost his confidence. He’s doubting whether he’ll be fast again. That’s not easy.”
