The day Aprilia’s boss stood up to Jorge Martin and his team in MotoGP and said: “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to let you go.”

Jorge Martin Shocked the pilot market this season MotoGP. At least the guesswork and the suspense of knowing what’s going to happen. The Madrid native was hoping to take advantage of a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Aprilia a year earlier than planned when he announced his move to the Noale factory.

Dorna released a documentary during the winter break, giving an inside account of what has been a very difficult season for the Madrid player. He suffered several serious injuries and was only able to compete in seven of the 22 races that made up the calendar. And it is also where the protagonists told how they reacted to Jorge’s decision to leave the Italian brand in order to definitely give in to Honda, who wanted to join the champion of the project.

Otherwise, Aprilia would not have let its star athletes leave the team without completing even one race. Massimo Rivola explained how he had to overcome a situation that seemed unreal to him. “Albert Varela (Martin’s agent) came and said, ‘You know, I think we can go, Honda is very interested.this offer is really good. I said, “Are you kidding me?” Rivola explained.

Massimo said he took the decision to travel to Madrid to speak directly to Martin given the circumstances. “He told me, ‘I think you should quit.'” At this point, Rivola refused to extend Jorge’s option to leave, warning the Spaniard: “I told him this.”I’m sorry, but I’m not letting you go. ”

Finally, after weeks of tug-of-war between Martin’s entourage and the Dorna-backed Aprilia, Jorge decided not to prolong the conflict any longer than necessary, and upon his return to the battlefield in Brno, he announced in an extraordinary press conference that he would continue to partner with the Italians in 2026. The big question is whether they will talk to Honda again next year or whether Aprilia will be so improved that they won’t have to look for an alternative. 2027? All doubts will be cleared within a few months.