Jorge Martin is gearing up for the start of his 2026 MotoGP campaign with testing scheduled this weekend at the Buriram circuit in Thailand. After struggling with collarbone and scaphoid injuries sustained earlier this year, the 2024 World Champion has now been cleared by circuit doctors to resume riding his Aprilia RS-GP, marking a significant step toward his full return.
Martin’s recovery has been closely monitored after he missed recent tests in Sepang due to his injuries. The Spanish rider expressed optimism about his condition as he prepared for the upcoming Buriram sessions, which he sees as ideal for regaining his physical form.
Physical Recovery and Testing Plans for the Season Ahead
The rider described his current state as much improved following a period of intense rehabilitation.
“I rode in Spain last week and felt good. It seems I haven’t forgotten how to ride a motorcycle, and now we’ll see how it goes with MotoGP and how my body reacts after two days of testing. But I think this is one of the best tracks for me to start again, since it turns to the right. It will be good for getting my body back in shape,”
Martin shared.
Martin reported that his bones have fully healed, though he still needs to build up strength and flexibility.
“Yes, I’m maybe 90% there. The bones are perfectly healed now, but I’m still lacking something in terms of strength and mobility. But that’s secondary: the important thing is to be perfectly healed. Now that my bones are healed, I can start pushing,”
he said.
He intends to focus his two-day test program on getting familiar with the new aerodynamic fairing and the motorcycle, rather than attempting extensive technical experiments.
“I have a few things to try, but not as much as Bezzecchi, because it would be crazy to come back to MotoGP and start trying things out. Not to mention that it would be pointless for the company. The important thing for me and the team is that I ride and get used to the new fairing and the bike we’ll be starting with,”
Martin explained.
Details Behind Martin’s Recent Absences and Medical Choices
Martin clarified why he was absent from recent Aprilia team activities, especially the Malaysia tests.
“I didn’t know I would be missing the tests when the team was presented. I was still in pain after Valencia, so I went to see other doctors in Madrid, who told me I needed surgery. I had it done as soon as possible, which was the week after the Valencia GP where I raced. I had surgery on both my hand and shoulder and then began the recovery process. I didn’t know if I would be able to go to Sepang or not, because I was really on the edge. But just before the tests, we realized that it wasn’t possible and we had to wait another two weeks. After the tests, I had my last check-up, where they told me that I was healed and that I could train. Which I did last week, before coming here,”
he recounted.
Regarding his choice of medical professionals, Martin hinted at a shift away from the traditional centers.
“I don’t know, it’s hard to say. In light of my experience, I will continue with the doctor who treated me this time. Barcelona has been the reference point for many years, but from my point of view, it’s time for a change,”
said the rider born in Madrid.
Transfer Speculation and Team Dynamics Remain Unsettled
Alongside teammate Fabio Quartararo, Martin has been linked to ongoing transfer rumors affecting the MotoGP paddock during the current testing period in Malaysia. However, he declined to elaborate on these developments.
“No comment. Obviously, there are people on my team who are working on my future, and we’ll see,”
he stated.
“For sure, everything is moving very quickly, but it’s not because of the riders: when someone starts moving the pieces, everything starts to move.”
Marco Bezzecchi Prepares for a Grueling Two-Day Test at Buriram
While Martin’s return is cautiously managed, his Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi faces a more demanding test agenda in Thailand. Bezzecchi has emerged as the key figure in RS-GP development since joining full-time last season and has a packed schedule lined up over just two days.
“My program will be very demanding: we have a lot of elements to test and we only have two days available, in which we also have to try to prepare a bit for the race weekend. It will be tough, but I’m also very happy to be here. This is a track that I like and where I can’t wait to race again. Overall, I’m very happy,”
Bezzecchi shared, reflecting his eagerness despite the workload.
The Italian believes Aprilia’s challenge lies in refining numerous incremental details rather than any single aspect of the bike.
“There isn’t one main area where we need to improve, we need to make progress in all areas. As you know, the level of everyone is very high and we’re talking about small details, but the goal will certainly be to try to improve a little bit everywhere. It won’t be easy, but the team is working hard and that’s why we have so many things to try. We hope that everything can improve a little bit,”
Bezzecchi said.
He embraces the challenge of continuous development in what is expected to be a transitional season before significant changes take effect next year.
“I’m not because I believe that everyone’s goal is to always be competitive,”
he added.
“No one has stopped, and we have to approach every season as if it were the last. I believe that Aprilia’s approach of working on every aspect and every detail is the right one: even though we know that everything will change next year, we try to have good races every year. So, I’m happy to have a lot of things to try.”
Personal Touches and Team Atmosphere Amid Testing Pressures
Bezzecchi arrived at Buriram with a new personal accessory, a piercing, which provides some lighthearted contrast to the intense work ahead.
“Can I race with it? Why not?! My mother isn’t happy, but I don’t care about anyone else. My sister has three. She’s… very peculiar. In the end, the whole family is,”
he joked with a laugh.
When questioned about the evolving nature of MotoGP under new ownership and his unique qualities as a rider, Bezzecchi kept his comments brief:
“I don’t know. That’s a very difficult question.”
Looking Ahead: Martin’s Return and Aprilia’s Focus for the New Season
Jorge Martin’s imminent return to MotoGP competition after lengthy recovery signals hope for Aprilia as the team approaches the new season with cautious optimism. His focus on rehabilitation and familiarization with the bike sets a foundation for stronger performances ahead, while Bezzecchi’s rigorous testing underscores Aprilia’s commitment to continuous improvement despite upcoming changes in the sport.
The outcome of these preparations could prove foundational for Aprilia’s competitiveness in 2026, as the team balances recovery, development, and rider stability amid an evolving championship landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Martin’s renewed fitness and Bezzecchi’s technical insights translate into results on the track.
