Aleix Espargaró Questions Aprilia Push to Keep Jorge Martin!

The MotoGP world is stirred by Aleix Espargaró’s sharp critique of Aprilia Racing’s insistence on retaining Jorge Martin for the 2026 season. As a former Aprilia rider and close friend of Martin, will Espargaró’s voice influence this heated contract saga?

Aleix Espargaró, who retired from MotoGP racing at the end of 2024 after eight seasons with Aprilia, shares a deep bond with both the team and Jorge Martin, the 2024 MotoGP world champion. Espargaró played a pivotal role in bringing Martin to Aprilia, but now questions the team’s determination to keep Martin despite his desire to leave. Martin, who raced only once in 2025 due to severe injuries in Qatar, reportedly seeks to use a contract clause to be free from Aprilia in 2026, sparking a legal dispute with the team.

In an interview with Motorsport.com, Aleix Espargaró expressed bewilderment at Aprilia’s stance on forcing Martin to stay. “If there is a clause that allows him to leave, and he doesn’t want to stay, I cannot understand why the other side would want to keep someone who doesn’t want to race for them,” he stated.

“I’ve worked with other agents, and when he draws up a contract, nobody does it like him,” he added, praising Albert Valera, Martin’s manager who also represents Espargaró.

The dispute has escalated with Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta warning that Martin cannot race in 2026 without an agreement with Aprilia or a legal ruling. Aprilia’s CEO, Massimo Rivola, insists Martin is contracted until 2026, and the team is prepared to take the matter to court if necessary.

This conflict disrupts Aprilia’s preparations for the 2026 season, particularly with Martin still recovering from fractures and a collapsed lung. His absence from the upcoming German Grand Prix (July 11-13) and teammate Marco Bezzecchi’s strong performance, including a win at the British Grand Prix, heighten team tensions. Honda HRC, rumored to be interested in Martin, awaits resolution of the dispute, with team manager Alberto Puig stating they will not approach Martin until his contract status is clear.

Espargaró, who bears a “Capitano” tattoo symbolizing his dedication to Aprilia, expressed sadness over the situation:

“I feel sad because this unpleasant situation is happening.”

On the X platform, MotoGP fans are divided, with some supporting Espargaró and Martin’s right to leave, while others criticize Martin as “disloyal” for seeking to depart a team that supported him. Dorna’s Ezpeleta urged a peaceful resolution to protect MotoGP’s image, warning of a potential racing ban for Martin if the dispute persists.

The dispute poses legal and emotional challenges. Aprilia must balance their significant investment in Martin with the risk of losing a star rider. Martin, scheduled for a medical test on July 9 to prepare for a comeback at the Czech Grand Prix (July 18-20), faces pressure to prove his commitment amid rumors of dissatisfaction with the RS-GP bike. Espargaró, as Martin’s friend and a former Aprilia rider, is in a delicate position, striving to maintain good relations with both parties.

A resolution between Aprilia and Martin could secure a strong rider lineup for 2026. However, if the case proceeds to court, a legal ruling could set a new precedent for MotoGP contract management. Martin’s return at the Czech Grand Prix will be a critical moment to demonstrate his performance, while Espargaró’s outspoken stance may continue to shape this ongoing saga.

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