Defending MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin says he wants more time before deciding whether to continue as a factory Aprilia rider in 2026.

Martin was badly injured in pre-season testing and on his comeback ride in Qatar suffered more injuries. As such, he has not yet completed a full Grand Prix race. His contract with Aprilia allows him to leave at the end of 2025, a clause that was included so he could “have the possibility to test the bike in real circumstances and to understand the team and its working methodology,” Martin said. Because of his injuries, Martin has not been able to do so to his satisfaction.

Therefore, faced with a deadline to decide to leave or stay in 2026, Martin exercised the option to leave. But it doesn’t necessarily mean he will leave Aprilia. Aprilia says it wants Martin to stay, and Martin says he wants Aprilia to extend the deadline for him to make a decision, giving both sides “a second chance” before making a final determination for 2026.

Factory Aprilia MotoGP rider Marco Bezzecchi won the Grand Prix race at Silverstone last weekend, and Aprilia said the victory sent a message to Martin, saying that the bike was capable of winning and that they were waiting for him to come back.

Martin’s statement is as follows, according to MotoGP.com:

Hello everyone,

I would like to share with all the fans, media and people who follow my career a clear explanation about my situation with Aprilia.

At no time have I ever breached the contract. When we signed it, I agreed with Aprilia that, if certain circumstances were not met, I reserved the right to decide my future for 2026. This was an essential condition for me to accept the contract proposal they offered me at that time.

When I made the decision to change manufacturers last year, one of my premises was to have the possibility to test the bike in real circumstances and to understand the team and its working methodology. In this way I could feel comfortable signing for two years instead of one, and so we included that condition.

Faced with the situation of having to make a decision on a date that is established by contract, I have decided to exercise my right to release myself for the 2026 season. I have always done so respectfully, clearly and with the sole intention of taking control of my future as a professional athlete.

Unfortunately, the circumstances that have occurred as a result of the crashes, although it is true that they do not affect what we agreed, have conditioned this phase. That is why I have always been open to dialogue with Aprilia to extend this period to a certain number of Grand Prix after my return to competition. The aim is that both parties can give each other a second chance and feel comfortable before making a decision for 2026.

I have always been honest with Aprilia, I have always valued the bike, the team and the effort of all the people who are part of the project. The only thing I ask is that my will and the spirit of what we agreed at the time with Aprilia be respected.

There is no conflict or reproach. I just want to be able to look ahead with clarity, after very difficult times and a very serious injury, and to continue to give the best of myself on and off the track.

Thank you all for your understanding and respect,

Jorge Martín