The MotoGP paddock is buzzing with tension as Pramac team boss Paolo Campinoti drops a bombshell warning for Aprilia: their star rider Jorge Martin might pull a repeat of his 2024 exit—even if he clinches another world title.
Martin made history last season by becoming the first rider in the MotoGP era to win a championship with an independent team, edging out heavyweights Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez. Fresh off that triumph, he left Pramac to sign with Aprilia, where he's now under contract.
Fast forward to 2026, and Martin is already making waves. With 90 points and two podiums, he sits just 11 points behind teammate Marco Bezzecchi in the standings. But Campinoti isn't convinced loyalty will keep him put.
"Yes, in my opinion, Martin can do what he did with us: win the World Championship and go away," Campinoti told Sky Sports Italia. "Bezzecchi is very good, very fast. But Martin is 10 points away and is still gaining familiarity with the bike. I wouldn't underestimate him—for me it will be a Jorge-Bezzecchi duel."
When asked if 2025 world champion Marc Marquez is still the man to beat, Campinoti didn't mince words: "Yes, he is, but now he is not in the ideal position. I would bet more on those two."
Aprilia is firing on all cylinders, leading the constructors' championship with 125 points—well ahead of Ducati's 106. They've won three of the first four races this season, with all four riders performing strongly. But Campinoti warns that Ducati, with engineering mastermind Gigi Dall'Igna in their corner, could roar back as the campaign unfolds.
"I don't think there is a reduction, I see it as more than that. Aprilia have overtaken Ducati now and it's quite clear to me," Campinoti said. "All four riders are doing well. We're not talking about just one person here. They even struggled on tracks like Austin where they used to dominate before. Aprilia are clearly better than Ducati at this point. That doesn't mean things can't change though."
For now, all eyes are on Martin and Bezzecchi as the championship battle heats up—and on whether Aprilia can hold onto their champion if he delivers another title.