Jorge Martin opens up on the major ‘doubts’ he had about MotoGP return during his recovery

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Jorge Martin has watched the start of the 2025 MotoGP season from the sidelines. It is not how he wanted his title defence to begin.

The Spaniard was ruled out of pre-season testing after suffering a violent highside in Sepang. Martin underwent successful surgery for fractures to his right hand and left foot, with Aprilia hopeful that he could return for the Thailand Grand Prix.

However, the 2024 MotoGP champion crashed a supermoto bike during his recovery, suffering further fractures. Martin has now spent over three months out recovering.

It is not the start to the season Aprilia would have wanted, especially considering Martin will sport the number one on his bike in 2025.

The Spanaird confirmed at the Argentina Grand Prix that he will miss the third round in Austin. He is hopeful of a return to the grid in Qatar.

Jorge Martin doubted whether he could return to the same level he was once at during his recovery

Martin has had plenty of time to lull over his crashes in the off-season as he prepares for a comeback. During that time, he has admitted to doubting his ability.

Pramac CEO Paolo Campinoti is ‘convinced’ Martin will be competitive when he returns and will give Marc Marquez a ‘hard time’. The 32-year-old has been dominating the premier class in his absence, grabbing two poles, two Sprint wins and two Grand Prix wins in the first two events.

But speaking on his YouTube channel, Martin opened up on his ‘doubts’ over the winter. He was left thinking whether he could get back to the same level he was at when he won the title.

“It’s been pretty hard, especially the first two weeks. I thought until… I don’t know, you have doubts.

“In the end you say: ‘Maybe I’m never the same as before, I can’t ride a motorcycle again.’ I mean the mind, my mind is a b——-. It’s always trying to predict the future.

“And in the end I felt bad but well, I’m starting to see the light. The truth is that I can now start to move, train. Those weeks without being able to leave the house were killing me with the desire to get to full speed.

“I don’t know when I’ll return but I’m already in the process.”

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

Jorge Martin may not return for the Qatar Grand Prix – but can he afford to be out any longer?

Martin has already lost valuable time in 2025. Missing pre-season and the first three races make his chances of defending his title incredibly unlikely.

A return in Qatar is the aim for Aprilia and the Spaniard. However, there are doubts that Martin may not be fit enough by then, which would sideline him for another two weeks.

That would make Martin’s return to MotoGP the Spanish Grand Prix at Aragon on April 27. By that stage, he would likely be out of contention.

Furthermore, the 27-year-old would be playing catch-up, given he has no experience with the RS-GP25. Aprilia are pushing to get Martin a private test before his return, but their campaign is likely to be unsuccessful.

The sooner Martin gets back on the track, the better it will be for Aprilia. But the Spaniard could run the risk of further injury if he is not cautious.