“I DESERVE THAT NUMBER” Jorge Martin shocked with his demand for a pay rise at Aprilia after an impressive performance at the Hungarian GP but the answer from boss Rivola was…

In a dramatic turn of events following his stellar showing at the Hungarian Grand Prix, reigning MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin has reportedly made a bold demand to Aprilia: a salary raise commensurate with his performance. The Spanish rider’s confident declaration—“I deserve that number”—has reverberated throughout the paddock, stirring a high-stakes contractual standoff with team boss Massimo Rivola.

Martin’s impressive form at the Hungarian GP, though details of his exact result remain scarce, appears to have emboldened his camp. Fresh off a standout performance, Martin’s request underscores not only his competitive mindset but a growing expectation for financial recognition in line with his elite status.

Sources close to the team reveal that the demand has escalated tensions behind the scenes. Aprilia, already involved in a complex contract dispute with Martin, responded firmly. According to insiders, the team has made what many are calling an “exorbitant” demand—an unusually high penalty—to release Martin early from his Aprilia contract should he wish to depart.

Adding fuel to the blaze, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has publicly dismissed the notion that Martin will be free to negotiate with other manufacturers for the 2026 season. Speaking at the Dutch TT in late June, Rivola emphasized that Martin is bound by his current contract and whether the matter ends at the negotiating table or in court, Aprilia remains composed and confident. “He is not going to be free for 2026,” Rivola said, reiterating the team’s readiness to defend its interests.

Further complicating Martin’s position is a clause tied to his performance and participation. Aprilia asserts that Martin missed all but one race this season due to injury, undermining his ability to trigger a release by championship standing. The team argues that as he failed to meet the conditions, the clause is invalid. As such, any attempt at invoking it could lead to legal repercussions.

If a compromise cannot be reached, the financial consequences may have broader implications. Reports suggest that if Martin seeks to continue his career elsewhere—Honda being a frequently cited potential destination—he may need to settle the contract dispute first. In practical terms, this could mean paying a substantial compensation, possibly even having it deducted from a new team’s offer, effectively muting any salary gain from jumping ship.

This labyrinth of contractual intricacies comes on the heels of a challenging season for Martin. A string of injuries has kept him largely off the grid after a dramatic crash in Qatar, and despite sporadic returns, sustaining momentum has proven difficult. In the meantime, Marco Bezzecchi has stepped up, delivering wins and podiums that highlight Aprilia’s resilience even without their champion.

Rivola, however, remains steadfast in his public stance: the bike is capable, the team stands united, and Martin is welcome to return when fit. “We want to win with Jorge and we are waiting for him with open arms,” he affirmed, signaling that the door remains open should the two sides reconcile.

The Hungarian GP seems to have rekindled Martin’s ambitions—and his leverage. His declaration, “I deserve that number,” is more than a personal assertion; it’s a negotiating gambit with a calculated target: recognition, respect, and remuneration reflective of his champion status.

Yet Aprilia’s reaction, stringent and unyielding, underscores that in MotoGP’s high-stakes arena, exceptional performance doesn’t always yield instant reward. Contracts, clauses, and legal wrangling often override the euphoria of glory laps.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Martin. Will he clinch the elusive win to solidify his claim? Can Aprilia soften its terms to retain the champion? Or will the standoff push Martin toward an exit—dented by payoffs, fueled by frustration, and unfolding under the watchful gaze of rival teams?

One thing is certain: when a rider of Martin’s caliber says, “I deserve that number,” the ripples go far beyond the timing lines.