Marco Bezzecchi
Aprilia are pushing for a change to the MotoGP rules that will help Jorge Martin. The world champion is in the process of recovering from two off-season surgeries.
Martin has thus far missed the season opener in Thailand and the Argentina Grand Prix. He confirmed on Thursday that he’ll also be absent in Austin next time.
There’s some hope that he’ll be able to make his long-awaited Aprilia debut in Qatar next month. But before that, he wants to test the RS-GP25 to see if he’s strong enough.
Therein lies the problem. Thanks to concessions rules, Aprilia can only use their test riders in private outings.
However, Massimo Rivola wants the regulations to be changed so that Martin is properly prepared. To do that, he must have the approval of his rival manufacturers.
Gavin Emmett highly skeptical of Aprilia’s chances as they pursue Jorge Martin test
Ducati boss Davide Tardozzi won’t support Aprilia’s Martin proposal. He doesn’t believe it’s fair to make an amendment mid-season, especially one that would aid arguably his biggest rivals.
Aprilia will likely argue that the change would benefit every manufacturer. Indeed, VR46’s Fabio di Giannantonio – the top satellite rider at Ducati – missed almost all of pre-season testing through injury.
There is always a risk inherent in a rider making an injury comeback. But Rivola might say that this is one way to mitigate it.
However, without the necessary support, it’s likely Martin will have to follow the conventional path. Having spoken to MotoGP figures in the Argentina paddock, TNT Sports commentator Gavin Emmett cast doubt on Aprilia’s chances.
He said: “That’s just what the paddock is saying, isn’t it – I don’t think it will happen.”
Neil Hodgson issues ‘really strange’ verdict on proposed Jorge Martin test
Speaking to Emmett, Neil Hodgson agreed that there was ‘not a chance’ Aprilia would be successful. He was left confused when he heard the news on Friday.
He said: “It seems a really, really strange one that one. A strange request.”
Marc Marquez has sent Martin his best wishes, as has Francesco Bagnaia. Having been through an injury nightmare at the start of the decade, the world championship leader will be especially sympathetic.
His absence potentially works to Ducati’s advantage, though. Aprilia appear to have the second-fastest bike on the early evidence, which would theoretically make Martin the biggest external threat.
Sources close to Martin sound positive, revealing that his pain has decreased considerably. His most recent accident came when he was pushing on a supermoto bike, but it’s unclear how he’ll gauge his condition this time if the rules remain the same.
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