Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin is set to return to competition at next weekend’s Czech Republic Grand Prix in Brno after completing a one-day test with Aprilia at Misano, Italy. The Spaniard’s return follows a string of injuries that have sidelined him for much of the season, and this latest test is part of his efforts to race again while awaiting medical clearance from MotoGP officials.
Injury History and Recent Recovery Efforts
Twenty-seven-year-old Martin has participated in only one of the first ten rounds this season due to numerous injuries. His most severe incident occurred at the Qatar Grand Prix in April, where he fractured eleven ribs and suffered a collapsed lung after a collision with Fabio Di Giannantonio’s Ducati. This crash marked his most recent appearance on a MotoGP bike before testing again this week.
On Wednesday, Martin completed 64 laps at the Misano circuit, which is scheduled to host the San Marino Grand Prix in September. He first rode 29 laps in the morning followed by another 35 in the afternoon, though Aprilia did not disclose his lap times. After missing the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring, his next scheduled race is Brno from July 18 to 20, pending his successful medical examination.
Martin’s Perspective on Returning to Racing
Reflecting on his first day back on a MotoGP bike, Martin expressed relief and optimism about the road ahead.
“I’m really, really happy to be here,”
he said. He acknowledged the challenges he has faced, describing the months away from racing as difficult.
“It’s been a difficult journey to ride finally, after more than three months, back on a MotoGP bike. It’s a pity that I was injured so many times, we didn’t get to make the whole season, but now we are back and this is the most important thing. I’m really looking forward to come back really soon, because the feeling today was great, we did a great job.”
He also highlighted the productive nature of the test day.
“We were able to work a lot during this day so I’m super happy, and ready for what’s coming. The plan is to come back in Brno, so I hope everything goes well during this week and I can train in normal circumstances.”
Testing Rules Allow One-Day Sessions Before Returning
The private test Martin completed is allowed under recent changes to MotoGP regulations. At Aprilia’s request, riders who miss three consecutive events or more than 45 days can conduct a one-day test before returning to racing. This test uses three sets of Michelin tires from the manufacturer’s test allocation to ensure compliance.
Martin’s Troublesome Start to the Season with Aprilia
Martin’s debut season with Aprilia has been plagued by injuries. A pre-season crash in Malaysia led to breaks in his left hand and right foot, followed by a supermoto training accident in Andorra where he fractured his left radius and scaphoid. These injuries caused him to miss the opening three Grands Prix in Thailand, Argentina, and Austin.
Following the incidents early in the year, the Qatar accident was a significant setback. To prepare for his recent return test, Martin rode an Aprilia RSV4 superbike on a private track day at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last week. This was his initial ride on any competitive bike since April’s accident.
Contract Dispute Adds Complexity to Martin’s Return
Aside from physical challenges, Martin is entangled in a contract dispute with Aprilia. His manager, Albert Valera, has reiterated Martin’s intention to activate a clause in his two-year contract allowing him to leave if he does not rank among the top riders in the 2025 championship standings. Conversely, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola maintains that Martin remains under contract through 2026, indicating that either a mutual termination agreement or legal action will be necessary if the rider insists on leaving.
MotoGP promoter CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta also weighed in at the recent Assen round, stating that Martin will not be permitted to race for a different manufacturer unless the contract dispute is fully resolved with Aprilia.
Aprilia’s Position and Team Performance Amidst Contract Issues
Despite the internal disagreements, Aprilia remains competitive, sitting second in the constructors’ world championship behind Ducati. Martin’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi has contributed significantly, securing a win at the British Grand Prix in May and finishing second to leader Marc Marquez at the Netherlands Grand Prix recently.
Industry Insights on Martin’s Situation
Veteran MotoGP rider manager Carlo Pernat offered his perspective on Martin’s standoff with Aprilia in an interview with Italian magazine MOW. Pernat believes the contract clause that is now in dispute was a mistake to accept when Martin initially signed with Aprilia, given his limited options at the time.
“Aprilia ran too fast to make that [Martin] contract and, in hindsight, that clause from which everything stems should not have been accepted,”
Pernat remarked.
He acknowledged that Martin’s choices were limited, as competing teams like Honda and Yamaha are currently less competitive. Pernat described the current situation as a complex mix of frustration and hardship for the rider.
Regarding the potential for Martin’s return to Aprilia, Pernat noted,
“If by chance he gets back on the bike at Brno, and maybe he immediately feels good and finds the life of a rider that he misses, it’s OK that he puts everything behind him and accepts that hug that Aprilia is continuing to offer him despite everything. If this is not the case, it is more than likely that he will have to somehow compensate Aprilia.”
He concluded cautiously,
“We’ll see, because in my opinion nothing is really said yet.”
What Lies Ahead for Jorge Martin and Aprilia
Jorge Martin’s return at Brno represents a critical point in overcoming the setbacks that have marked his season. His performance in the upcoming races will likely influence his racing future and contract situation. With Aprilia maintaining a strong presence in the championship and legal negotiations ongoing, the next few months could define Martin’s trajectory in MotoGP for years to come.
The outcome of Martin’s medical clearance and ability to compete in Brno will be closely watched by teams, fans, and industry observers, as it signals whether he can regain top form amid ongoing off-track challenges.
Our Reader’s Queries
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A. Unfortunately, entertainment seems to attract more attention than sports, so MotoGP wants to take advantage of this trend. However, the current MotoGP lineup lacks the personalities that could make it more dramatic and engaging.
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A. Known as the sole World Champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1, John Surtees excelled with equal talent and courage in each sport.
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A. F1 and MotoGP are now both managed by Liberty, joining two top global racing series under one business. This change affects how they are governed, how they compete, and their business plans. Although the EU has given the green light to this deal, there’s ongoing debate about whether it leads to a virtual monopoly.
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