Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin is making his much-anticipated comeback for Aprilia at the Grand Prix of Qatar this weekend. Martin has missed the first three races of the season through injury.
MotoGP has been without its world champion so far in 2025, though Aprilia don’t look capable of challenging the dominant Ducati as it stands. Martin’s mother wants the grid photo to be retaken after the no. 1 bike was left vacant in Thailand.
Martin will be under close medical observation throughout the weekend. Thus far, he’s only committed to taking part in FP1, which will be a voyage of physical discovery.
He will meet with MotoGP medical chief Angel Charte once again on Friday evening to determine whether he should ride for the rest of the weekend. Lusail carries fond memories for Martin, who took his first premier-class podium here in 2021.
After a DNF and a P10 in the next two years, he won the Sprint in 2024 and finished third in the Grand Prix. But he’s not remotely expecting to repeat that performance this year.
Wary Jorge Martin accepts that he can’t start chasing race wins
Speaking to DAZN before the Qatar Grand Prix, Martin said it’s not yet ‘time’ to compete for victories. If he tries to override the bike with that objective in mind, he’s worried he’ll ‘get injured again’.
The 27-year-old suffered his first crash on the opening day of pre-season testing but aimed to return for Thailand. However, Martin arguably took too many risks in a private session on a supermoto bike, and the damage was even more severe.
Trackhouse rookie Ai Ogura is responsible for Aprilia’s best result so far this season – P5 in Buriram. Martin’s teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, has come home sixth on two occasions.
“I have to be very clear about my two or three goals every day and go for them,” Martin said. “If I try to get on the bike now and fight for races, I’m going to get injured again. Obviously, it’s not my time, I’m not there.”
Jorge Martin names the MotoGP result he’d consider a ‘victory’ at Qatar Grand Prix
In a separate interview with Sky Italy, Martin revealed his precise objective for the weekend. He simply wants to see the chequered flag on Sunday.
“If I finish the weekend it will be a victory, then we’ll start to build confidence,” he said. “It will take a few races to get back to my level.”
Kevin Schwantz thinks Martin may not hit top form before the summer break, based on his own recovery experiences. But it’s worth noting that he’s already exceeded expectations.
In the immediate aftermath of his second injury, there was talk that Martin could be out for three months. As it turned out, he missed just six weeks before returning to action.
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