MotoGP’s news cycle waits for no one. Not even a fairytale victory like Johann Zarco’s first home win at the French Grand Prix could escape being eclipsed mere hours later. The headlines swiftly shifted from celebration to controversy as reports surfaced that reigning world champion Jorge Martin was exploring a way out of his Aprilia contract via a performance clause.
By the time the British Grand Prix came around, Aprilia had made its position clear, Marco Bezzecchi had taken a sensational first win for the brand, and Martin’s camp had gone quiet. That calm didn’t last.
During the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, Martin’s manager Albert Valera threw fuel on the fire, stating that his rider was “free of contract for 2026.” Aprilia strongly disagrees. CEO Massimo Rivola warned that legal action could be next. “There are only two options: either we come to an agreement, or we go to court,” he declared. “We’ll do whatever is necessary to protect the company. Priority one is keeping the rider.”
Complicating the matter, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta added pressure, stating Martin might not be permitted to race in 2026 without a resolution.
Bezzecchi Shines Amid Chaos at the Dutch GP
As legal drama unfolded in the paddock, Marco Bezzecchi made headlines on track. Though Marc Marquez took victory, Bezzecchi’s runner-up finish was arguably more significant given the backdrop. It was Bezzecchi’s most complete outing on the Aprilia RS-GP yet an encouraging sign that the bike’s one-lap stability has improved.
Starting from fifth, Bezzecchi made good use of his late-braking prowess at the Geert Timmer chicane to finish third in the sprint his first Saturday podium since Indonesia 2023. In the grand prix, he charged past Fabio Quartararo, Alex Marquez, and Pecco Bagnaia to chase down Marquez.
“I didn’t expect to be there, but once I was, I just went for it,” Bezzecchi said. Though he couldn’t quite launch a late attack, he stayed close until the final laps, eventually finishing just 0.635s behind. At one point, he even pressured Marquez into three track-limit infractions, coming two warnings shy of a long-lap penalty.
Lap times between them differed by an average of just 0.013s remarkably close. Bezzecchi’s fierce pace even forced Marquez to dig deep on lap 13 to try breaking away, only for Bezzecchi to respond instantly.
“It was the first time I felt this competitive from start to finish,” he said. “I wasn’t conserving anything. I was on the edge in every corner. Risking everything, but enjoying it.”
Aero Limitations and Missed Chances
Bezzecchi’s inability to pass in the final laps wasn’t for lack of pace. Marquez was stronger through the final sector especially Turn 15 and MotoGP’s modern aero-heavy bikes made it tough to stay close in the slipstream. “I caught him in the wrong spot every time,” he said.
A slight track-limit infraction late in the race was Bezzecchi’s only one, but it showed how hard he was pushing.
Martin’s Exit Case Weakened by Aprilia’s Success
The irony is sharp: while Martin and his team argue Aprilia isn’t a competitive package, Bezzecchi is showing the opposite. Rivola is right to note that if Bezzecchi can fight for wins on the RS-GP, Martin with his pedigree should too.
Martin is expected to return from injury by the German or Czech GP, and Bezzecchi’s performances give him a strong benchmark. Whether Martin will race for Aprilia again remains a mystery. If this dispute goes legal, the bigger concern is whether Martin would risk injury for a team he’s trying to leave or forgo riding altogether if he wins his freedom and eyes a Honda seat for 2026.
Still, the argument that Aprilia isn’t competitive is losing ground. The brand is second in the constructors’ standings with 145 points, is the only one to beat Ducati in dry conditions this year, and boasts the top non-Ducati rider in Bezzecchi, currently sixth in the standings.
Contract Clause Murkiness
Reports suggest Martin’s contract includes a clause allowing him to leave if no Aprilia rider was in the top five by the French GP. Aprilia’s confidence in legal action implies this clause might not be clear-cut. Valera claims they requested an extension to this deadline, which Aprilia didn’t accept.
Ironically, Bezzecchi once a rival of Martin has become the rider now boosting Aprilia’s defense. His commitment and performances are increasingly contrasting with Martin’s exit strategy, which seems at odds with the passion he once professed for the team.
Aprilia’s ‘Captain’ Isn’t Jorge Martin
Despite being billed as Aprilia’s new leader, Martin has fallen short of the ‘captain’ role once held by Aleix Espargaro. Instead, it’s Bezzecchi who has filled the void leading development, maintaining morale, and delivering results. “My relationship with Aprilia is fantastic,” Bezzecchi said. “They welcomed me so warmly, and I give everything in every corner to pay them back.”
Aprilia seems to have struck gold: a capable, fast, loyal factory rider on a bargain compared to Martin. But therein lies their new dilemma.
Bezzecchi: Star of the 2027 Rider Market
While 2026’s focus remains on Martin, Aprilia must start thinking ahead. All major factory deals expire at the end of 2026, and the 2027 rider market will be wide open.
Bezzecchi, once reliant on Ducati machinery to show his pace, has now proven himself as a versatile, top-tier factory rider. His results are re-establishing him as a hot property.
While top names like Marquez, Bagnaia, Quartararo, and Acosta will dominate discussions, Bezzecchi is rapidly becoming a prime candidate for a second factory seat perhaps even more.
Aprilia’s job is now to hold onto him. That means delivering a winning project and likely revisiting his contract. No pressure.
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