Aprilia Braced for Early Contract Talks as Rivals Target Martin and Bezzecchi

Aprilia has acknowledged it could be pushed into early contract discussions with Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi amid growing interest from rival MotoGP teams. 

Both riders are under contract until the end of 2026, but with the paddock already looking ahead to the 2027 technical regulation overhaul, manufacturers are moving quickly to secure future line-ups.  Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola admitted this has increased pressure on the Italian marque to act sooner than planned. 

“I would prefer not to do it quickly, but maybe I am forced to because the others are moving quite fast,” Rivola said at Aprilia’s season launch. “I know they are offering a lot of money to our riders.” 

Bezzecchi’s stock has risen sharply after finishing the 2025 season with back-to-back wins in Portugal and Valencia, establishing himself as one of Marc Marquez’s main challengers. The Italian also became Aprilia’s reference rider during the year, stepping into a leadership role while Martin missed significant time due to injury. 

Martin’s future has been a topic of speculation since he attempted to activate a performance clause to leave Aprilia after 2025, with Honda believed to have shown strong interest. Rivola said the team is keen to see Martin return to full fitness before committing to long-term plans. 

“With Marco, we started building something,” Rivola said. “With Jorge, we didn’t really start yet. He is a world champion, but first we need to give him time.” 

Bezzecchi, who joined Aprilia from Ducati’s VR46 squad in 2025, said his focus remains on performance rather than financial gain as he chases his first MotoGP title. 

“If you want to win, your priority is the best bike and the best package,” Bezzecchi said. “When you win, the rest comes anyway.”