Honda confirms it wish to snatch Jorge Martin from Aprilia

Honda MotoGP boss Alberto Puig has confirmed the group is taken with signing Jorge Martin, ought to the reigning champion change into out there on the finish of the yr.

Motorsport.com completely revealed that Martin is pushing to go away Aprilia on the finish of 2025, invoking a clause in his contract.

He’s understood to be unimpressed by the RS-GP’s tempo this yr, with Aprilia backside of the producers’ championship after six rounds.

Martin is unlikely to go away with no vacation spot in thoughts, however Honda is a powerful chance given the contract of its manufacturing unit rider Luca Marini expires on the finish of this season. 

So when requested about the opportunity of signing Martin forward of this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Puig stated: “Each single group within the paddock can be taken with a rider like Martin.

“In case you are not taken with Martin, you’re an fool. However we’ll by no means signal a rider who has a present contract. That is not Honda’s means.

“However should you ask me if we’re taken with a rider like Martin, clearly we’re. We’re taken with quick riders. If he have been free on the finish of the yr, he is clearly one of many riders to control.”

Martin does face competitors for the seat although, as LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco is pushing for a manufacturing unit transfer after a powerful begin to 2025 sitting sixth within the standings after successful at Le Mans final outing.

He’s the highest-placed Honda rider within the championship, and Zarco acknowledged his French Grand Prix win might solely assist his quest for a manufacturing unit seat.

On the entire, it has been a much-improved 2025 for the Japanese marque, which is second within the championship after ending backside final yr.

It has led to the opportunity of rising its tally of 4 bikes on the grid to 6 for MotoGP subsequent yr, one thing Puig has left the door open to, however the resolution is in the end not his. 

“Having six bikes on the grid would imply extra work,” he added. “It’s not one thing that’s presently on the desk. But when the scenario arises, Japan should resolve whether or not it’s possible or not.”