The Japan Times - MotoGP world champion Martin seeks Aprilia exit

The Spaniard won the 2024 title on Ducati's satellite Pramac bike, but left the Italian manufacturer after being overlooked in favour of Marc Marquez for the factory ride.

With his title defence wrecked by injury, he has only managed to compete in Qatar so far this season, he believes a clause in his contract allows him to walk away at the end of the year.

The clause he refers to gives him the option to quit if, after round six at Le Mans, he was no longer in contention for the world championship.

After seven rounds, he has yet to register a point and is 196 behind leader Marc Marquez, ruling out any possibility of retaining the title.

Aprilia, according to reports, argue that because of his litany of injuries, this clause is invalid and the two-year contract stands.

Martin took to social media to state his case.

"At no point have I breached the contract.

"When we signed it, I agreed with Aprilia that if certain conditions were not met, I would reserve the right to decide my future for 2026. This was an essential condition for me to accept the contract offer at that time.

"Faced with the need to make a decision by a date set in the contract, I have chosen to exercise my right to be released for the 2026 season. I’ve always done so with respect, clarity, and the sole intention of taking control of my future as a professional athlete.

"Unfortunately, the circumstances caused by the crashes - while they do not alter the agreement - have influenced this phase. That's why I've always been open to dialogue with Aprilia about extending this evaluation period to a certain number of grand prix races starting from my return."

His statement concluded that he had always been honest with Aprilia.

"All I ask is for my wishes and the spirit of what we agreed upon to be respected," he wrote.

Martin has endured a calamitous 2025.

He was first injured during pre-season testing in Sepang and had to undergo surgery at the beginning of February.

He then suffered another crash which necessitated another operation on his left hand at the end of February, just before the opening round of the season in Thailand.

The 27-year-old finally made his first appearance of the season in Qatar only to slide out shortly after the halfway mark at Lusail suffering a hemopneumothorax -- broken ribs, and blood and air in the space around his lungs.

S.Ogawa--JT