Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has had to watch the first two MotoGP races of the year from home. Martin injured himself twice during the winter.
A crash on the first day of the Sepang Test ruled Martin out of the sport’s official pre-season programme. But he was still hopeful of returning for the Thailand Grand Prix.
That was until an accident on a supermoto bike in Spain, leading to further fractures and a second operation. Martin’s new injuries are particularly troublesome because he’s damaged his scaphoid.
Speaking before the Argentina GP, Martin confirmed that he’d miss round three in Austin as well. He’s hopeful of a return in Qatar.
Massimo Rivola talked up Marco Bezzecchi, Martin’s teammate, but satellite rider Ai Ogura has arguably been the standout on the Aprilia RSGP-25 so far. He’s collected 17 points to Bezzecchi’s 15.
Jorge Martin doesn’t know if he can ‘adapt’ to Aprilia’s bike like Ai Ogura
Ogura finished fifth in Buriram – the best result for a debutant since Marc Marquez. He was also fourth in the Sprint race.
While he was disqualified in Argentina following a Trackhouse procedural breach, he’s taken the bike to greater heights than Bezzecchi, whose best result so far is a P6. Speaking on Aleix Espargaro’s podcast, Martin discussed the potential of his 2025 challenger.
Davide Tardozzi has warned Marc Marquez about Martin but the former Pramac rider is feeling anxious. He knows the motorcycle can be competitive, but after so few laps he’s unsure if it will suit him.
The 27-year-old is bound to play down expectations when he returns, whether that’s in Qatar, Spain or further down the line. He finds himself at an ever-increasing mileage deficit relative to his peers.
“[Aprilia’s pace is] clear, but not knowing how and if I will be able to adapt to the bike generates a lot of anxiety and stress for me,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to recovering so I can test the bike and work with the team, with whom I’m already very comfortable.”
Jack Miller weighs in as Aprilia try to secure MotoGP test for Jorge Martin
Aprilia are pushing for Martin to be granted an additional test on a MotoGP bike. He wants to gauge his fitness before he commits to a Grand Prix weekend.
Their concessions rank means they’re only allowed to use test riders in private sessions. But Rivola and co. want the regulations changed.
The expectation is that Aprilia’s campaign won’t be successful. Ducati have publicly expressed opposition, and they need the support of all four rival manufacturers.
Jack Miller has little sympathy for Aprilia, simply stating ‘rules are rules’. They must accept ‘the cards they’ve been dealt’ this season, he says, as other teams have before.
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