"I Won't Let You Go": Honda's Offer and the Inside Story of the Jorge Martin-Aprilia Case

Behind-the-scenes details are emerging about the tension that arose between Martin and Aprilia when the rider considered leaving for Honda.

Jorge Martin’s 2025 has been very troubled, as we’ve reported multiple times. The problems started as early as pre-season, with two injuries that marred the beginning of his adventure with Aprilia. He missed the first three Grands Prix and, upon returning in Qatar, suffered a third injury that made him miss the following seven. As if the physical issues weren’t enough, the 2024 MotoGP champion and his manager Albert Valera seriously considered leaving the Noale team and signing for Honda.

Massimo Rivola and the rest of the Aprilia crew did not expect that kind of behavior from a rider they had invested so much in. The Martinator and his manager invoked a clause in the contract: if after the first six GPs of 2025 he was not in the top five, he would be free to sign with another manufacturer for 2026. The early termination of the relationship did not materialize, since the two-time world champion did not race (due to injury) in five of the first six GPs. There was even a risk of a legal battle if Martin and Valera hadn’t backed down in the face of the evidence.

In a documentary titled “From Heaven to Hell,” produced by Dorna and released on MotoGP channels, the behind-the-scenes of what happened during Martin’s 2025 season are revealed. From his arrival as champion in the Aprilia garage to the various injuries and comebacks. Naturally, it doesn’t omit the part where things came to a head with Aprilia.

Rivola recounted how he reacted when the rider’s manager told him of their intention to leave the Noale team: "Valera came to me and said: ‘You know what, I think we might leave, Honda is very interested in him, the offer is really good.’ I replied, ‘Are you kidding me?’ The next day I went to Madrid to see him and verify whether what Albert had said was true. He told me that for him it was better to leave, and I answered ‘I’m sorry, but I won’t let you go’".

The CEO of Aprilia Racing was firm from the start; he never considered granting Martin the green light to break the contract, also convinced it would be the wrong choice for his career: "I was tough with him too when I said, ‘You’re not leaving, because I’m thinking—more than you are right now—about what’s best for you.’"

Even though there were certainly difficult moments to manage, the sensational split never happened. Unfortunately, at Motegi there was another injury in a sprint race incident that also involved his teammate Marco Bezzecchi. Jorge managed to return for the final GP in Valencia, where he also took part in the test day. Even if 2025 didn’t go as he had dreamed, he can be optimistic looking ahead to 2026.

Aprilia has shown significant growth with Bezzecchi and could challenge Ducati next year. If Martin is at 100% physically and avoids further injuries, he could be a constant presence at the front. His talent is beyond question.