‘Nobody’ would have predicted what Jorge Martin just did at the Qatar Grand Prix, ‘so impressive’

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Jorge Martin is embarking on his first MotoGP weekend of the 2025 season at the Qatar Grand Prix.

The defending champion has made his return to the premier class after being plagued with injuries over the winter. Martin missed all of pre-season after suffering multiple fractures from a highside in Sepang.

During his recovery, the Spaniard crashed a supermoto bike, breaking his radius and scaphoid in his left hand. The severity of the injury has left Martin out for the opening three races of 2025.

Martin doubted he would ride again after his injuries. The Aprilia rider has been cautious in his recovery as he makes his comeback to MotoGP at the Qatar Grand Prix.

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‘Nobody’ would have predicted Jorge Martin passing Francesco Bagnaia during the Sprint at the Qatar Grand Prix

Expectations would have been low for the 27-year-old coming into the weekend. Martin had not ridden a motorcycle since his supermoto crash over the winter.

Martin is being closely monitored to ensure that he is fit enough to run throughout the weekend in Lusail. The Spanaird was noticeably struggling with his injuries during practice on Friday.

Martin even needed help putting his helmet on due to the issues with his left hand. But that did not stop the Spaniard from producing a commendable effort during the Sprint on Saturday.

The Aprilia rider left everyone stunned when he overtook Francesco Bagnaia in the opening stages. The Ducati rider is suspected to have had an issue with his GP25, but regardless, it was an incredible move from Martin, who finished the race in 16th.

Speaking via TNT Sports 2 during the Sprint, Neil Hodgson says ‘nobody’ would have thought Maritn would be capable of passing the two-time champion on his return.

“Nobody would have predicted that. I mean, we didn’t think Jorge Martin would be able to do the whole weekend. So impressive,” he said.

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali made a bold prediction for Jorge Martin’s return – can he live up to it?

Martin’s return to MotoGP is delightful news for Aprilia. The Noale-based manufacturer have not had the start to the year they would have hoped for.

Aprilia were behind Honda and KTM coming into Qatar – they were desperate to have Martin back on the grid. However, the Spaniard must remain cautious to prevent further injury.

Claudio Domenicali thinks Martin will win races on his return to the premier class. While that could be possible, the 27-year-old cannot afford to push too hard too soon.

Martin knows he cannot push for wins straight away as he runs the risk of more injuries. Aprilia will want to ease him back in before mounting a serious challenge to the Ducatis.