According to Motorsport.com, Martin’s current contract includes a condition allowing him to walk away if he isn’t in the top three of the championship after the French Grand Prix. Because of injuries, Martin hasn’t scored any points so far this year, which technically puts that clause into effect.

Martin missed the first three races due to injuries picked up during pre-season. He made his return in Qatar, but then suffered a serious pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which kept him in hospital in Doha for nearly two weeks.

At the moment, there’s no set date for his return, but it’s unlikely he’ll be back before the German Grand Prix in mid-July. Aprilia argues that the clause shouldn’t count, since Martin’s absence hasn’t been due to poor performance but rather bad luck with injuries.

READ MORE: Jorge Martin out of hospital, but far from returning to MotoGP

Despite this, Martin reportedly travelled to Le Mans last weekend and held private meetings with Aprilia bosses, where he informed them of his plans to activate the clause.

Out of respect for the team, he’s said to be open to extending the evaluation period until the San Marino Grand Prix in September, giving both sides more time to assess the situation. Aprilia, however, isn’t backing down and believes it has legal grounds to stop him from leaving.

If Martin does manage to exit Aprilia, it could shake up the whole rider market. Honda seems to be the most likely next step for the Spaniard, especially with Luca Marini’s contract ending this season. However, Honda is waiting to see how Martin’s dispute with Aprilia plays out before making any moves.