Simon and Val's take on Martin's Aprilia revelations and return to MotoGP
Added 2025-07-17 18:52:17 +0000 UTCJorge Martin is back in MotoGP action at this weekend's Czech Grand Prix - but he's not just returning after a long injury absence, he's returning having just U-turned on his desire to walk out on Aprilia at the end of this season.
Fresh from hearing a very open (but unapologetic) Martin give his take on all the traumatic and dramatic events of the last few months, Simon and Val convene in the paddock to give their verdict on Martin's explanation and what happens next.
And to see more of what Martin had to say, take a look at our round-up of the main takeaways from his media session.
Comments
I can be terribly wrong of course but I can't shake the feeling that albeit Martin was in a vulnerable position and probably he was considering a move out, his management had a major influence on the Aprilia situation. Similarly I realized that one thing that bothered me with the Toprak case as well is his management specifically how it was handled. Of course managers are sales people in a way and they need to sell their "product", but sometimes they can overdo it. Regardless since I don't know much about how the managers and the manager/rider relationship work it would be interesting to hear a pod about this side of the sport
Máté
2025-07-18 17:32:55 +0000 UTCAll indications are that Aprilia were being as supportive as possible during his injuries.. probably right up to the point he said he wanted to quit his contract.
James Mullen
2025-07-18 12:12:19 +0000 UTCTheres a flip side to this that might be a lesson for other teams - if a rider is injured they need some kind of mental care not just doctors and physio and maybe that comes from the team rather than just the rider's company, somebody to say we still care beyond just the contractual obligation. Being injured for me wasnt easy, they were nowhere near as bad as Martins but its not just that it hurts its boredom and worry ... its stupid things like loose clothing because you cant dress yourself, putting socks on, asking somebody to shower you, shaving, cutting finger nails ....
Evilchicken0
2025-07-18 09:20:19 +0000 UTCThe sad thing (and I think it is sad) is that he put himself in that position.
Evilchicken0
2025-07-18 09:08:01 +0000 UTCSomewhat embarrasingly I have multiple. - Val
Val Khorounzhiy
2025-07-18 07:11:29 +0000 UTCFacts I’m exactly the same. I’d love to know what the song at around 4:00 is
Jake Clarke
2025-07-18 04:24:07 +0000 UTCHey as long as he does what’s best for his career, oh he hasn’t done that either.
xRossiFumix
2025-07-18 01:50:57 +0000 UTCtrying to listen to the words, but my brain is just going doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo 🎶🎵🎼🎼
Yusuf Ahmed
2025-07-17 20:45:52 +0000 UTCVal - get some Yamaha merchandise whilst you're there.
Marcus Jones
2025-07-17 20:42:32 +0000 UTCThanks for the video , although I had to watch twice because I got distracted by the soundtrack. Sounds like Martin carried himself well and is repairing the bridge.
Stuart Edwards
2025-07-17 20:38:34 +0000 UTCLove these off the cuff behind the scenes bits from the lads on the ground. Especially the tangents!!!
Matthew Boulton
2025-07-17 20:24:30 +0000 UTCI agree regarding Honda. UNLESS they decide to go after Acosta?
Cardiff Giant
2025-07-17 19:47:31 +0000 UTCAprillia have conducted themselves admirably throughout this whole debacle. From a team who hadn't the best reputation for rider treatment they've come a long way. I still think next year Martin announces Honda for 27.
Paul Mcclenaghan
2025-07-17 19:18:58 +0000 UTCCan't believe I'm going to say this, but it sounds like he walked that tightrope as best as anyone could. If he apologizes, he looks petulant and impulsive (which...yeah). Instead he maturely/vulnerably said "Yes, and". Whoever coached him through this saga needs a MASSIVE bonus. I'm also not entirely convinced he leaves Aprilia after '26. Aprilia is clearly giving him the respect and love he left Ducati for.
Jay W
2025-07-17 19:12:42 +0000 UTCGreat Andor T shirt Val 👌👌
shane darch
2025-07-17 19:04:05 +0000 UTC
