Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin is aiming to make a return to MotoGP for the Qatar Grand Prix. The defending champion has had to watch from the sidelines after an injury in pre-season.
A violent highside in Sepang over the winter ruled Martin out of testing with fractures to his right hand and left foot. The Spaniard and Aprilia were hopeful of a return for the Thailand Grand Prix.
However, during his recovery, Martin crashed a supermoto bike and suffered more fractures. Damaging the scaphoid in his left hand, Martin has a troublesome issue as the injury could take a while to heal with the limited blood flow.
The 27-year-old confirmed at the Argentina Grand Prix that he would miss the third race in Austin. Martin is hoping to return to the grid in Qatar and get his career with Aprilia up and running.
The 2024 champion moved to the Scorze-based team after winning last year’s title with satellite Ducati team Pramac. Martin was snubbed by Marc Marquez for the second factory seat next to Francesco Bagnaia in 2025.
His time at Aprilia has got off to a torrid start with his excessive injuries. But many key figures within the MotoGP paddock are confident the Spaniard will pose a threat when he returns.
Pramac CEO Paolo Campinoti is ‘convinced’ Jorge Martin will challenge Marc Marquez when he returns
In Martin’s absence, Marc Marquez has dominated the premier class. The 32-year-old has had a clean sweep in the opening two rounds, claiming pole position and victory in every race.
It is hard to see anyone stopping the Ducati rider at this stage. However, Davide Tardozzi has warned Marquez of Martin as he is yet to see what the defending champion can do in 2025.
Pramac CEO Paolo Campinoti knows first-hand what Martin is capable of. The Spaniard secured the team their first win in MotoGP in 2021 and guided them to the constructors’ title in 2023 and the riders’ title last season.
Speaking on the #ZamTube YouTube channel, Campinoti is ‘convinced’ Martin will give Marquez a ‘hard time’ when he recovers from injury.
Talking about the Spaniard in his rookie season, he said: “Yes yes, he was very fast, very strong.
“He lacked a little from a point of view, as I can say, more of mental psychological strength. Maybe he was a little… he got too hot, he was a little too emotional when he found that balance there.
“He is truly a phenomenon. I am convinced when he returns he will be one of those who can give Marquez a hard time for sure.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
Aprilia set to be unsuccessful with their bid to give Jorge Martin a private test
Aprilia will be hopeful their star rider can perform on his return after a difficult start to 2025. Marco Bezzecchi has managed 15 points in his absence while Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura has grabbed 17.
The issue is Martin has little to no experience with the RS-GP25. Subsequently, Aprilia are pushing to get a private test for the defending champion – they cannot run their full-time riders in private outings due to the MotoGP concession system.
Aprilia’s campaign has been met with hostility from their rivals – they need approval from the other four manufacturers to change the rules. Davide Tardozzi does not support the claim while Jack Miller had little sympathy for Martin, stating that ‘rules are rules’.
The feeling is Aprilia will be unsuccessful in their campaign. This will leave Martin desperately underprepared when he makes his debut and will be playing catch-up with the rest of the field.
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