Many insiders who negotiated MotoGP deals are surprised by the provisions that Jorge Martin could leave Aprilia.
Martin confirmed his intention to leave Aprilia at the end of the year.
He states the following about the important contractual provisions that allow him to exit: “When we signed it, I agreed that I reserved the right to determine my future in 2026 if certain circumstances are not met.”
The two Paddock veterans have never seen such a clause in a contract of Martin’s size before.
He has managed Paco Sanchez (particularly Joan Mir and previously supported the Espargaro brothers and Maverick Vinaru, who he said was “not normal.”
He said: “Bike and rider performance clauses are not common in MotoGP agreements, but they are incorporated into certain contracts in my career.
“Unless you know the details of the terms they may have introduced in Aprilia’s contract with Martin, it is impossible to give an opinion on the effectiveness of the same thing, as this depends on the language and conditions set out to assess the competitiveness of motorcycles and riders.
“Usually, if you are questioned about the future performance of a motorcycle, this type of early termination clause is included due to lack of competitiveness.
“For example, if a brand debuts in a category or the brand doubts the performance of a rider, like if it was a rookie or rider from a major injury.
“However, it is not normal to include such clauses in the case of established riders who are also current world champions, as his performance cannot be left with doubt.
“And when it comes to bikes, Aprilia has shown a very high level of competition with Alex and Maverick in recent years, with the rest of the factory approaching after Ducati, the second best bike on the grid.”
“I’ve never processed a phrase,” like Jorge Martin
Jorge Martin
Simone Batistella, who manages Andrea Dovizioso and currently with Alvaro Bautista, agrees.
“I have never handled that type of clause in a contract,” he said.
“If the phrase is clear and transparent, everything is decided quickly.
“In the case of grey it takes a long time to resolve and does not bring anything good to the contractual relationship between the parties.”
Martin left Ajar a little at the door to Aprilia.
He insisted that he would extend the era of grace after he returned from his injury, so that he would give Aprilia a “second chance” after he returned from his injury.
But it may not appeal to manufacturers who know their starman is still on the sidelines.
Martin injured his rib and lungs in a crash crash at Qatar Motoug, his only grand prize in Prilia since winning the 2024 title at Ducati.
He was previously held to separate injuries.
The rider market awaits the potential availability of the 2026 world champions.
Honda insists they will not approach the riders they are under contract.
But Martin’s clause that escapes could create an opening to go to Honda.