George Martin is said to be one of the biggest movers in the 2026 MotoGP rider market as he is linked with a move away from Aprilia.
The Spaniard walked away from Ducati after failing to secure a factory seat at the end of 2024. Number one took the plate Aprilia In the year Under a two-year contract in 2025, he will compete only seven times.
Martin Last year, he struggled heavily with injuries, ranking him 21st. It is marked. One of the worst MotoGP title defenses in history As Marc Marquez, the rider who beat the seat for the factory Ducati, took home the crown.
The season was also marked by controversy in the Aprilia camp, as Martin tried to break the contract During Europe. He expressed his displeasure with the project and the RS-GP and sought to force his way to Honda.
Martin In 2026, he made a promise to Aprilia when Dorna stopped him from leaving the year before. In his absence, a teammate Marco Bezecchi He helped lead the team to three wins and closed the gap on Ducati, setting up an exciting battle this year.
But as we move into 2026, there are doubts again about Martin’s future with Noale’s outfit because it is linked to movement. Yamaha.
Aprilia ‘has many doubts’ over George Martin’s future after 2026 amid Yamaha links
Aprilia chief executive Massimo Rivola said Bezecci was the team’s priority for 2027 and signed him to a new two-year contract ahead of the Sepang pre-season test. However, Martin’s situation is more complicated.
According to the report Sports worldThere are ‘many doubts’ about Martin’s future at Aprilia. His contract expires at the end of 2026, and his injury struggles in 2025 hurt his stock.
The Spaniard was probably one of the most sought-after riders in 2024, and there were many hopes of a move to Aprilia. Now that he is linked with other factories, there are doubts whether the team will offer Martin a new deal.
Martin is set to join Yamaha in 2027.Replacing Fabio Quatararo, who joined Honda. As word spread, Martin really put himself on the Yamaha in the grid forecast Many fans see it as a sign that the move will happen next season.
Read more: Everything you need to know about George Martin from money to girlfriend
Who will replace George Martin at Aprilia in 2027?
With Bezecic tied for 2027 and Martin seemingly headed to Yamaha, Aprilia now need to find a replacement for the Spaniard. Ahead of the first race in Thailand, several teams will need to act quickly as their line-ups are finalised.
Francesco Bagnaia and Alex Marquez are likely candidates and they have plenty of options. Apriya rejects Quatararo. After the salary request exceeds the team’s budget.
They identified Ephraim Aeneas Bastianini As an option, you can get it for 2027, and at a bargain price. His contract with Tech3 expires in 2026 and the team are willing to wait until November to sign him.
Raul Fernandez is another option. For Aprilia, it might get a promotion from Satellite Team Trackhouse. In the year He won his first MotoGP race at Phillip Island in 2025.
