Aleix Espargaro has described the escalating contract dispute between Jorge Martin and Aprilia as “very unhappy from each side,” as uncertainty continues to encompass the reigning MotoGP world champion’s future.
Espargaro, who helped dealer Martin’s take care of Aprilia final yr, spoke concerning the rift between his shut pal and former staff on the conclusion of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend.
Martin joined Aprilia as MotoGP champion for 2025 however has been restricted to a single grand prix look as a result of three separate harm setbacks, two aboard the RS-GP and one throughout coaching.
Now, the Spaniard’s standing for 2026 is the topic of authorized and contractual wrangling.
Martin’s administration, led by Albert Valera, insists a performance-related clause has been activated, making him a free agent for subsequent season. Aprilia disputes that declare, arguing the contract stays legitimate till the top of 2026.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has strengthened Aprilia’s place by stating Martin can’t race for one more MotoGP staff till the present scenario is resolved – both by means of mutual settlement or a courtroom determination.
Talking in Assen, the place he was substituting for the injured Luca Marini at HRC, Espargaro admitted the dispute is tough to look at, however steered there was little level in making an attempt to maintain a rider if he desires to depart.
“I see it as very arduous. Very, very unhappy from each side,” Espargaro stated.
“I can perceive each side… If there’s a clause that enables him to exit and he doesn’t wish to keep in a single place, I don’t perceive the place of the opposite facet to retain a man who doesn’t wish to be there.
“However I can perceive that for each side it’s not simple to take care of the scenario. Jorge has an excellent supervisor and it’s going to be obscure what’s going to occur.”
The scenario is additional difficult by Espargaro’s present position as a take a look at and improvement rider with Honda, Martin’s possible vacation spot ought to he exit Aprilia.
Valera, who additionally manages Espargaro, has confirmed Honda is an choice, whereas HRC has brazenly acknowledged its curiosity in Martin for 2026.
Regardless of the stress, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola insists the precedence stays to maintain Martin, but in addition confirmed the manufacturing facility is able to defend its place in courtroom if crucial.
That may concern Martin, since a prolonged authorized case might depart him in limbo for 2026.
Aprilia has much less incentive for a fast decision, having already discovered a brand new RS-GP race winner and staff chief in Marco Bezzecchi. And with many of the grid contracted till the top of 2026, alternative choices for Martin are already restricted.
Martin has missed 9 of the ten rounds thus far. His earliest doable return can be the Czech Grand Prix on July 19–21, although Aprilia has acknowledged any observe determination will observe his subsequent medical analysis.
