Carmelo Ezpeleta has publicly backed Aprilia Racing in their ongoing contract dispute with Jorge Martin for the 2026 season.
The CEO of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta, has warned Jorge Martin that he cannot switch to a rival MotoGP team for 2026 unless an agreement is reached with Aprilia or a court rules in his favour.
There has been continued back and forth between Martin and Aprilia since the French Grand Prix over their contract for the 2026 season.
However, at the Dutch TT, the contract drama was reignited after Martin's manager, Albert Valera, stated 'Jorge is free of contract for next year'.
Martin has missed nine of the ten races in his debut season with Aprilia Racing due to multiple injuries. However, he believes he has acted on a performance-related clause in his contract to release himself from Aprilia.
But Aprilia have kept to their original statement on the matter that was released at the British Grand Prix:
"The contract between Aprilia Racing and Jorge MartÃn is valid and in effect, and as such, it must be respected by both parties until its expiration (end of 2026)."
Aprilia have now received the public backing of Carmelo Ezpeleta, the Dorna Sports CEO has insisted that Martin will not be able to ride for another manufacturer if a legitimate resolution is not reached.
"If two parties have the intention and want to terminate the contract, it is possible. If one party says that it is still valid, the judge included in the contract must decide who is right," Ezpeleta told Sky Sport Italia.
"We, as Dorna will not accept the entry to the championship of anyone who does not respect these conditions: Either an agreement is found between the parties and the contract ends, or a judge will have to decide."
He repeated that position to Spanish TV: "We will not allow anyone to enter the championship without the agreement of the other party that the contract has been terminated, or a ruling from the court that manages it. We will not allow that."
