Jorge Martin MotoGP comeback reaches a pivotal moment at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, where the factory Aprilia rider aims to turn the page on a challenging season. After recovering from an injury that kept him off the bike for a large portion of 2025, Martin is prepared to showcase his renewed strength following a highly encouraging test session in Misano.
Martin Eyes Japan GP as Turning Point After Long Recovery
Martin’s season has been marked by struggles as he participated in only six of the sixteen rounds so far, making his return at the Czech Grand Prix in July. He has spent much of this year adapting to Aprilia’s updated RS-GP motorcycle, which saw significant development from the start of the season. The latest post-race test at Misano was crucial in helping Martin work on the bike’s ergonomics, enabling him to feel more connected and confident.
I’m very much looking forward to getting to Japan,
Martin said eagerly.
The test in Misano was extremely positive. We did a lot of testing and took a nice step forward in terms of ergonomics. Up to now, it has been a path of adaptation – almost a pre-season – but from here on out, I’d like to focus on speed and performance.
– Jorge Martin, Factory Aprilia Rider
Impressive Performance Amid Ongoing Challenges This Season
The Misano race served as a clear indication of Martin’s latent pace, even though he continues to face hurdles in fine-tuning his riding style on the new bike. His determination to improve remains strong as he acknowledges there is still significant ground to cover.
There is still a lot of work to do,
Martin confessed, highlighting his commitment.
We need to continue to improve, and that will be our obsession throughout the rest of the season.
– Jorge Martin, Factory Aprilia Rider
One of the standout moments in Martin’s comeback has been his remarkable surge from 18th on the grid to a solid fourth-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This performance underscored his talent and resilience despite the interrupted season. As the MotoGP calendar moves toward flyaway races, Aprilia looks to capitalize on the momentum generated by teammate Marco Bezzecchi’s victory at the British Grand Prix in May.
Motegi Circuit Presents a Critical Challenge for Aprilia
The Japanese Grand Prix, held at the Motegi circuit, has historically posed difficulties for Aprilia. Last season, the team’s best outcome was a ninth-place result, with Aleix Espargaro finishing over 30 seconds behind the leader. In 2023, a rain-affected race ended early with Espargaro securing fifth place, but Aprilia still struggles to find consistent front-running pace on this track.
With the constructors’ championship tightly contested, Aprilia holds a slender 23-point advantage over KTM. The stakes are high as the team and Martin face renewed pressure to deliver strong results and prove their competitiveness at a demanding venue.
What Lies Ahead for Martin and Aprilia After Japan
Jorge Martin MotoGP comeback is more than just a return to form — it could be the catalyst for Aprilia’s push in the championship hunt. With Martin energized after a positive test and motivated to focus on his speed, the Japan GP offers a chance to change the narrative of his season. Fans and competitors alike watch closely as Martin aims to convert his hard work into race-day success, potentially reshaping the remainder of 2025 into an exhilarating contest.
