Ducati bosses have refused to back what Davide Tardozzi said about Jorge Martin testing request

Add as preferred source on Google

Aprilia are pushing for Jorge Martin to be granted an additional test as he prepares for his MotoGP comeback. The world champion has missed the opening two rounds of the season through injury.

Martin confirmed in the press conference before the Argentina Grand Prix that he wouldn’t attend the next race in Austin either. His prospects of making it to Qatar are seen as 50/50.

During his brief appearance, Martin hinted that Massimo Rivola was working on a rule change that would allow him to test before Lusail. Aprilia’s concessions rank means that their full-time riders aren’t allowed to take part in private tests.

There isn’t an official test scheduled until the end of April after the Grand Prix of Spain. Martin’s preference is to ride a MotoGP bike before he returns in order to determine whether he’s strong enough for a full weekend.

Davide Tardozzi speaks out against extra Jorge Martin test – Ducati refuse to take stance

Speaking at the Argentina GP, Ducati’s Davide Tardozzi expressed his opposition to the proposed rule change/exemption, at least for 2025. He called it a ‘good idea for the future’.

However, Tardozzi doesn’t see any reason for Ducati to accept its immediate instruction. It would only stand to benefit one of their biggest rivals.

The Italian pointed out that his team received no such luxury when Enea Bastianini was on the comeback trail in 2023. Martin may have been part of the Ducati stable at Pramac last season, but that relationship seemingly counts for little.

• READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend

According to Motorsport.com, the Bologna outfit are ‘unwilling to back Tardozzi’s stance’ for the moment. They don’t want to take an official ‘position’ until Aprilia formally put the idea on the table.

They said: “Ducati’s position is very clear: we are waiting for news from the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association and when something official is said, we will evaluate it.”

Jorge Martin’s mother has asked MotoGP for one unusual thing when he rejoins grid

MotoGP may benefit from Martin’s return. The first three races in the season have ended with the same podium, in the same order.

Ducati’s dominance from 2024 has continued, though the Aprilia bike does look competitive. Perhaps Martin can present a firmer challenge once fully healthy and comfortable.

While Tardozzi understandably doesn’t want to help a rival, he could find himself benefitting from the rule in the near future, such is the dangerous nature of the sport. Indeed, Miguel Oliveira has had to go to hospital after a Sprint race crash in Argentina.

Martin’s mother wants the 2025 MotoGP grid photo to be retaken when he’s back in action. That’s an unusual request, and one that’s unlikely to be granted – the number-one bike was instead left vacant as the remaining riders posed in Buriram.