Let's Talk MotoGP: Jorge Martin Just Shot Himself in the Foot

It may have gone a little unnoticed, as the Dutch Grand Prix was attracting all the attention, but the Jorge Martin case took a huge turn last weekend. It all started when his manager Albert Valera announced that the Spaniard would be a free agent in 2026, as if it were official. The next day, Ezpeleta said he wouldn't let a driver sign without an agreement being reached, or without a court ruling. Finally, Massimo Rivola spoke out, saying he was ready to wage legal warfare. What do you think?

 

But why ?

 

I have been following this case closely from the very beginning.There are several things I'm struggling to understand, some of which we'll discuss a little later in this article. This weekend, another question came to mind. But why did Albert Valera go so far as to publicly affirm that Jorge Martin was free?

 

 

From the beginning, the "Martinator" clan has been doing everything backwards.. First of all, we should never have heard about these discussions between the 2024 world champion and Honda. And now, I don't see why we learn, through a simple visual on the screen, that Martin would be free on the evening of this 2025 exercise. Why say it? Why communicate like this, now? The timing is extremely bad to make this public, because his convalescence is coming to an end: Rivola was aiming for a trial in early July and a return to Brno. How can all this be organized in good conditions in view of the bomb dropped by Valera in the middle of a session? MotoGP ? It's incomprehensible.

 

Jorge Martin is not immune to a backlash

 

Of the three statements, The most interesting was that of Carmelo Ezpeleta, boss of DORNA Sports.By saying that he would not let anyone participate in the 2026 season without a decision that both parties agree on (amicable or judicial) he is dealing a direct blow to Martin. Even though Alberto Puig tried to salvage the situation, Ezpeleta's words were clear: “A contract is meant to be honored.”.

 

 

This means that in the event of a lengthy legal battle, Martin could be suspended while awaiting a verdict, all due to a contractual imbroglio. Time is the most precious commodity for MotoGP riders, whose careers are already extremely short. Just imagine if the Spaniard had to take another leave, this time for an indefinite period while waiting for justice to rule in his favor. It would be crazy! Certainly, Rivola said he would prefer it not to go that far, and that a more reasonable solution should be favored.. But despite everything, Ezpeleta's words give power back to the Aprilia camp, who may feel more legitimate in appearing before the courts.

 

A tarnished reputation

 

Imagine the scandal if Jorge Martin, a fairly popular public figure in Spain, had to involve his lawyers to settle the matter. He had already been at the center of a similar story in 2020, with KTM as Aprilia, at the time of its move to MotoGP. The manner in which he left Ducati in mid-2024 was understandable, but surprising at the same time. Suffice it to say that as the weeks go by, his reputation is being tarnished. And The longer the affair lasts, the more the media will talk about it, and the more he will fall in the esteem of the fans, on the one hand, and the MotoGP teams, on the other..

Obviously, Martin clearly targets HRC. I dare to hope that he wouldn't have done all that without a guarantee behind it. But I tell myself that he must have a lot of confidence in Honda, because the Japanese firm has a monstrous power in this matter! Just imagine that Puig and his men, faced with the outcry, decide to back down. What would happen to Martin? Would he be forced to return to Aprilia reluctantly, while waiting for the next steps?

As I write these lines, his image is already largely tarnished among fans. You only have to read their opinions on social networks to be convinced. This may seem insignificant to you, but know that sponsors are obsessed with the reputation of their athletes on the networks ; it is a determining criterion in the signing of a dealWill brands continue to partner with Jorge Martin if he struggles on the track with Honda – we'll talk about that again – and is also getting slammed in every media appearance? Nothing is certain, but it's an option worth considering.

 

 

A transfer that makes less and less sense

 

The story is ironic, because every time we have a twist that confirms that Martin is close to the exit, Bezzecchi works miracles on the RS-GP. This was the case at Silverstone, and there, at Assen, the "Bez" was impressive on Saturday as well as Sunday. Precisely, I come to ask myself the question: why choose Honda rather than Aprilia? Certainly, financial power and prestige are two important data, but I honestly think that being an official Aprilia is currently the best option.

Some say he wants to prepare for 2026 at Honda to perform with the winged firm in 2027. But what I struggle to understand is that he could avoid this controversy by simply signing with Honda for 2027, and everyone would have needed an adaptation phase since the motorcycles are going to change. I can turn the problem over and over again, but I don't understand why he wants to break this contract so quickly after barely having tried an RS-GP that seems to be performing well. The RC213V, on the other hand, has been struggling for a few races. Honda is making progress, but it is also thanks to dealerships, we must not forget that; and these are not eternal..

I am curious to hear your thoughts on the various statements that punctuated the weekend in Assen. Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.