Aprilia Eyes Enea Bastianini as Jorge Martin Potential Replacement!

Aprilia Racing sent shockwaves through the MotoGP transfer market by preparing a contingency plan amid Jorge Martin’s contract dispute. With Enea Bastianini as a potential replacement, can Aprilia maintain their competitive edge in 2026 without the reigning world champion?

Jorge Martin, the 2024 MotoGP world champion, has faced a challenging 2025 season with Aprilia Racing due to a severe crash in the Qatar Grand Prix, resulting in fractures and a collapsed lung, sidelining him for nine of the first ten races. The ongoing contract dispute for 2026 has escalated, with Martin’s manager, Albert Valera, claiming a clause allows his departure, while Aprilia insists his contract is binding until the end of 2026. Amid this uncertainty, Aprilia is proactively planning to safeguard their team’s competitiveness.

According to Crash.net, Aprilia has identified Enea Bastianini, currently with KTM Tech3, as the prime candidate to replace Martin if he leaves in 2026. Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola emphasized the need for a backup plan:

“We have to have a Plan B. We can’t just wait for a court decision.”

Bastianini, who fought from 20th to ninth in the Dutch MotoGP, shows promise despite struggles adapting to the KTM RC16. Meanwhile, Martin is set for a medical test on July 9 to prepare for a comeback at the Czech Grand Prix (July 18-20), but his contract tensions with Aprilia remain in the spotlight. Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has warned that Martin risks a 2026 racing ban if the dispute remains unresolved.

Aprilia’s move to consider Bastianini as a backup demonstrates a proactive strategy to maintain team strength, especially after Marco Bezzecchi’s standout win at the 2025 British Grand Prix. Martin’s potential departure, having raced only once this season, could weaken Aprilia’s title defense aspirations. Honda HRC’s interest in Martin adds complexity, with team manager Alberto Puig stating they await legal clarity before pursuing him. This saga also influences the 2026 rider market, with teams like Yamaha VR46 monitoring developments.

Massimo Rivola underscored Aprilia’s pragmatic approach: “Our priority is to keep Jorge, but we must be prepared for all possibilities.”

Enea Bastianini, when asked about the rumors, remained focused on KTM: “I’m happy here, but in MotoGP, you never know what will happen.”

On the X platform, MotoGP fans actively discussed Aprilia’s strategy, with some praising their foresight and others supporting Martin’s bid for a new team, like Honda. “Aprilia’s smart to have a Plan B, but Martin deserves a team that fully backs him,” wrote user @MotoFanID. Aleix Espargaró, Martin’s friend, previously questioned Aprilia’s hardline stance, fueling further debate.

Aprilia faces significant challenges navigating the legal dispute with Martin, which could drag into court and distract from their 2025 season focus. Bastianini, if recruited, would need to adapt to the RS-GP bike, which differs significantly from the KTM RC16. Martin, set to return in the Czech Grand Prix, must overcome his lack of experience with the RS-GP and unfamiliarity with the Brno circuit, compounded by his limited 2025 racing due to injuries.

If Martin stays, Aprilia can maintain a formidable lineup with Bezzecchi for 2026. However, if Bastianini joins, his experience as a race winner with Ducati could keep the team competitive. The Czech Grand Prix will be a pivotal moment for Martin to prove his market value, while Aprilia continues to prepare contingency plans to ensure stability. The resolution of this dispute, whether through agreement or legal ruling, will shape the MotoGP 2026 rider market.

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