Jorge Martin will not participate in the first winter tests of the 2026 MotoGP season at Sepang after undergoing two revision surgeries on his left scaphoid and right collarbone in mid-December. This decision was made to ensure Martin’s full recovery ahead of the championship. Despite missing track time, Martin will be present in Malaysia with the Aprilia team to observe the progress on the RS-GP26 bike.
Lorenzo Savadori to Take Over Testing Duties
Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia’s test rider from Veneto, will replace Martin during these sessions. Beginning immediately, Savadori will be engaged in the Shakedown test until January 31, followed by three official days of testing alongside Marco Bezzecchi from February 3 to 5. This will give Savadori a significant workload as he works to develop the machinery and integrate new components.
Savadori’s Role and Expectations for the Upcoming Tests
“At Sepang, I have a lot of work planned on all eight bikes, including those of the Trackhouse MotoGP team, and there will be many new solutions to try out, even in the following three days of official testing,”
Lorenzo Savadori said.
“I can’t wait to get on the track to try the RS-GP26. As for Jorge, it’s important that he gets back to being full fit soon. Obviously, it’s a shame not to have him in Malaysia for the tests, but the important thing is that he recovers well before the start of the season.”
Implications for Martin’s Recovery and Aprilia’s Season Preparation
Martin’s absence from testing highlights the team’s cautious approach toward his rehabilitation to guarantee he is fully prepared for competition. Savadori’s involvement ensures that Aprilia maintains momentum in fine-tuning the RS-GP26 before the new season. The upcoming weeks at Sepang will be critical in shaping Aprilia’s bike setup and strategies, with the hope that Martin returns to the grid in optimal condition for the championship’s start.
