Aprilia’s Jorge Martin is determined to make a full recovery from multiple injuries and challenge Ducati’s Marc Marquez in the 2026 MotoGP championship, with no alternative plans beyond this goal. Following a difficult 2025 season marked by several absences due to injuries, Martin is focused on returning to peak form to contest the riders’ title once again.
In 2025, Marc Marquez claimed the MotoGP championship, overtaking Martin who struggled through a year plagued by injuries and limited race starts. Martin only managed to start seven out of the eight Grands Prix he entered, spending significant time sidelined by surgeries and recuperation. Amid those challenges, Aprilia strengthened its lineup by signing Martin after the 2024 season but chose Marc Marquez over Martin for Ducati’s main team seat.
Martin’s Determination to Compete Hinges on Fitness and Bike Adaptation
Entering the 2026 season with an uncompromising mindset, Martin believes that if he regains full fitness and quickly adapts to Aprilia’s redesigned motorcycle, a championship challenge is attainable. He missed the Sepang test recently and is still awaiting medical clearance, but is expected to return to the track at the upcoming Buriram test on February 21-22.
The rider underwent two operations during the winter to address persistent injuries from the previous year—initial surgeries on his left hand and right collarbone had not fully resolved his issues. Despite these setbacks, Martin remains optimistic about his chances this year.
I think if I can adapt well and get physically ready quickly, I’ll have a chance,
Martin stated, as reported by AS.
There’s no plan B. I’m going to give it my all to get back in the fight with these guys. [I’ll be] grateful if I can fight with them.
He further explained the critical factor for success:
I think it will depend on how well I adapt to the new Aprilia. If I manage to adapt quickly and find that confidence in two or three races, anything can happen because the bike is working well.
Qualifying Performance Remains Biggest Challenge for Martin on Aprilia
Martin faces a steep learning curve with significant differences between the 2025 and 2026 versions of the Aprilia RS-GP bike, which now features an innovative F1-style rear wing integrated into an aggressive aerodynamic package. Having only raced seven Grands Prix on the Aprilia RS-GP, Martin must quickly familiarize himself with the bike’s updated handling characteristics to maximize his competitiveness.
The Spanish rider expressed satisfaction with the winter improvements made to the RS-GP. He noted that the bike appears easier to ride compared to last season, as demonstrated by teammate Marco Bezzecchi’s strong performances in the recent Sepang test, where Bezzecchi posted the second-fastest lap time and a top-five average pace in Sprint simulations.
Despite these positive signs, Martin recognizes that qualifying laps remain a critical weakness. He struggled with qualifying pace last season and identifies it as the key area for improvement to enhance his race starting positions.
Last season I had a lot of difficulties in qualifying, but it’s hard to train for that,
Martin admitted.
Once I know the bike, what it can do, and its limits, I think the lap times will come.
He also highlighted his overall race pace:
In terms of pace and riding, I’m not far behind the others. So, it could just be a matter of grid position.
Reflecting on the bike’s development, Martin added:
I think we’re picking up where we left off, which is a good sign. I don’t want to be too optimistic, but I feel the bike is working very well. It will mainly depend on me adapting. I think the bike is a bit easier to ride than the one I tested in Valencia, so I’m happy.
Competition Landscape and Martin’s Role in the 2026 Title Fight
In addition to Marc Marquez, Martin will face strong opposition from Ducati riders Francesco Bagnaia and Alex Marquez of Gresini in next season’s title hunt. His teammate Marco Bezzecchi, who finished third in the 2025 standings and won the last two races in Portugal and Valencia, will also be a key contender. Martin aims to join this elite group, posing a credible threat as Aprilia continues its aggressive development strategy.
Martin’s resolve to secure a MotoGP world championship in 2026 adds significant pressure to his comeback, as the racing world watches closely to see if he can overcome physical challenges and master the evolving Aprilia machine against established rivals.
