In a dramatic turn of events in the MotoGP paddock, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has finally addressed the swirling speculation surrounding reigning world champion Jorge Martin’s future with the Italian manufacturer. The bombshell revelation, which has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, involves unexpected evidence that ties Martin’s situation directly to his former team, Ducati. This development comes after weeks of tension, cryptic social media posts, and a performance clause that has fueled one of the most contentious rider sagas in recent MotoGP history.
Jorge Martin, who clinched the 2024 MotoGP title with Pramac Ducati, made headlines last year when he signed a lucrative two-year deal with Aprilia for the 2025 season. The move was seen as a bold step for the Spaniard, who turned down a potential factory Ducati seat after a dramatic fallout when six-time champion Marc Marquez was chosen over him. However, Martin’s tenure with Aprilia has been anything but smooth. Injuries sustained during the Qatar Grand Prix, the only race he has competed in this season, have sidelined him for much of 2025, complicating his adaptation to the Aprilia RS-GP and sparking doubts about the team’s competitiveness.
The controversy reached a boiling point following reports that Martin was seeking to exit his contract early, invoking a performance clause that allegedly allows him to leave Aprilia at the end of 2025 if certain conditions are not met. This clause, reportedly tied to championship standings, became a focal point after Martin’s limited participation made it impossible for him to meet the criteria. Aprilia, however, has maintained that the contract remains valid until 2026, with Rivola previously issuing statements denying any negotiations to modify the agreement and warning rival teams against approaching their rider.
In a surprising twist, Rivola has now broken his silence with a revelation that shifts the narrative. During a press conference following the British Grand Prix, where Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi secured the team’s first victory of the season, Rivola disclosed evidence suggesting Ducati’s influence in Martin’s decision-making. According to Rivola, internal communications uncovered during a routine review revealed that Martin had been in contact with Ducati personnel as recently as the French Grand Prix. These discussions, Rivola claims, included assurances from Ducati insiders that a return to their fold—potentially with the Yamaha-backed Pramac team for 2026—remains a viable option for Martin. This revelation has raised questions about whether Ducati’s lingering influence has contributed to Martin’s dissatisfaction with Aprilia.
Rivola’s comments were measured but pointed. He emphasized Aprilia’s commitment to supporting Martin through his recovery, noting that the team has honored its contractual obligations despite the rider’s limited track time. He also highlighted Bezzecchi’s Silverstone triumph as proof that the RS-GP is capable of winning, countering Martin’s apparent lack of faith in the bike’s long-term potential. Rivola’s tone suggested frustration, not only with Martin’s push to leave but also with what he perceives as interference from Ducati, a manufacturer that has dominated MotoGP in recent years.
The implications of this evidence are significant. For Martin, it underscores the complexity of his decision to leave Ducati in 2024, a move driven by his belief that he deserved a factory seat. His stellar performance with Pramac, where he outshone factory rider Pecco Bagnaia to win the championship, made his departure a gamble that has yet to pay off. The injuries in Qatar, coupled with Aprilia’s struggles to match Ducati’s pace, have left Martin questioning his future, with rumors swirling about a potential move to Honda, who are seeking a marquee rider following Luca Marini’s testing crash.
For Aprilia, the situation is a delicate balancing act. Losing Martin, their star signing, after just one season would be a blow to their ambitions, especially after Bezzecchi’s recent success showed the team’s potential. Rivola’s revelation about Ducati’s involvement could be a strategic move to shift blame and rally support within the paddock, but it also risks escalating tensions with Martin, who has remained silent since confirming his intent to leave via Instagram Stories on May 29, 2025.
As the MotoGP season progresses, all eyes will be on Martin’s recovery and whether he returns to the track with Aprilia. The paddock is abuzz with speculation about his next move, with Honda and Pramac emerging as frontrunners for 2026. Rivola’s unexpected evidence has added a new layer of intrigue, casting Ducati as a shadow player in this saga. For now, Aprilia is standing firm, determined to hold Martin to his contract while proving their bike’s worth on the track. The coming months promise more twists in this high-stakes drama, with Martin’s future hanging in the balance.
