Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP have altered the rules to allow full-time riders, such as Jorge Martin, to run tests if they are sidelined with injuries.
The new regulations state that permanent MotoGP riders can run private tests if they miss up to three events. Race weekends and official tests fall under the rules.
It comes after Aprilia were pushing to give Martin a test after he missed the opening three races of the season. The defending champion suffered multiple injuries over the winter, with a highside in pre-season in Sepang and a motocross crash during his recovery.
Initially, Aprilia’s push for a rule change was met with resistance from the other manufacturers – they needed approval from the other teams. Davide Tardozzi stated he would not support the change, as it would not be fair to alter the rules mid-season.
Jack Miller said ‘rules are rules’ as he echoed the Ducati chief’s thoughts on the matter. However, after Martin’s horror crash at the Qatar Grand Prix, the rules have been changed to allow testing for injured riders.
Fabio Quartararo appeared annoyed with MotoGP’s rule change because of Jorge Martin’s injuries
Before returning to the grid in Qatar, Martin had not ridden a bike. He went into the weekend completely blind, having not been on the RS-GP25 since the first day of testing in Malaysia.
The rule change will be vital for the 27-year-old and Aprilia, given his limited knowledge of the bike and the manufacturer’s start to the season. They sit bottom of the standings after five races, with Lorenzo Savadori well off the pace in Martin’s absence.
It is not just the defending champion who will benefit from the change. Yamaha’s Miguel Oliveira missed four races through injury in Argentina and could use the new rules to get back up to full fitness.
Fellow Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo was asked by DAZN for his verdict at the Grand Prix of France. Interestingly, the 2021 champion ‘felt somewhat annoyed’, using Martin’s situation to highlight his frustration.
He said: “I think when you lose as much time injured as Jorge, he knows very well that he’s not going to fight for the World Championship or a podium in the first race. I don’t think it’s a very different change because, for me, he’s already embraced Qatar as such.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fabio Quartararo from net worth to career stats
When is Jorge Martin expected to return to MotoGP?
Martin suffered severe injuries in his crash in Qatar. 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung left him stranded there in hospital, as he was unable to fly home.
Thankfully, the 27-year-old has now returned home to begin his recovery. Martin received heartwarming messages from MotoGP riders at Jerez, as well as from other legendary motorsport figures such as Jorge Lorenzo and Jean Alesi.
Martin faces a ‘very difficult blow’ mentally after his accident. It will be important for him to regain his confidence – the new testing rules will play a huge factor in that.
Aprilia and the Spaniard will be looking to bide their time with the latter’s return to the grid. Neil Hodgson predicts a two-month absence for Martin, having suffered very similar injuries during his career.
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