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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
Máté
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
James Mullen
All 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.
Evilchicken0
Theres 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
The sad thing (and I think it is sad) is that he put himself in that position.
Val Khorounzhiy
Somewhat embarrasingly I have multiple. - Val
Jake Clarke
Facts I’m exactly the same. I’d love to know what the song at around 4:00 is
xRossiFumix
Hey as long as he does what’s best for his career, oh he hasn’t done that either.
Yusuf Ahmed
trying to listen to the words, but my brain is just going doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo 🎶🎵🎼🎼
Marcus Jones
Val - get some Yamaha merchandise whilst you're there.
Stuart Edwards
Thanks 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.
Matthew Boulton
Love these off the cuff behind the scenes bits from the lads on the ground. Especially the tangents!!!
Cardiff Giant
I agree regarding Honda. UNLESS they decide to go after Acosta?
Paul Mcclenaghan
Aprillia 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.
Jay W
Can'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.
shane darch
Great Andor T shirt Val 👌👌
