Alberto Puig has commented on the resurfacing of the rumours placing Jorge Martin in the Honda HRC Castrol squad for 2026.
Amid rumours that Honda is attempting to sign Jorge Martin for the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, Alberto Puig has confirmed that Honda has 'no deadline' for next season's line-up.
It has been well reported that Martin wants out of his two-year deal with Aprilia at the end of the first season, but the rumours of Martin to Honda have begun to spread again.
The reigning MotoGP World Champions manager, Albert Valera, said on Saturday at the Dutch Grand Prix that 'Honda is an option' for 2026.
"Well, there is no deadline," Puig told MotoGP.com during MotoGP Warm Up on Sunday morning at Assen.
"We have to be sure what to do. At this moment, we don’t know because we need to understand what is the rider's situation.
"We can wait. Frankly speaking, it’s a matter between Aprilia and Jorge [Martin].
"It must be clear. If he gets out of the contract, then we will understand. We are not in a super-hurry. We will see what is the final resolution there."
The Honda HRC Castrol Team Manager added that Honda must be sure that Martin's current contract with Aprilia has been cancelled for 2026 before they begin negotiations.
"We don’t sign contracts with riders that are on an ongoing contract," he said.
"We believe that the situation between riders and teams, or manufacturers, is something strictly direct between [them].
"Of course, when we said that Martin’s an option, he’s an option – for us and for everybody, because if he’s out of contract, he can choose whatever brand.
"But, for now, we didn’t make any move.
"We didn’t check yet the situation but, normally, we talk to riders, so when the time comes, if it comes, we will see. But, for now, there is nothing more to say."
