Jorge Martin’s MotoGP plans may be ‘slowly changing’ after what he experienced in Aprilia test

Add as preferred source on Google

Jorge Martin finally returned to a MotoGP bike on Wednesday. The reigning world champion took his Aprilia round Misano as he prepares for his comeback.

Martin is firmly targeting a return at the Czech Grand Prix just before the summer break. Provided he receives approval from doctors at the circuit, he will make just his second appearance for Aprilia.

The 27-year-old has been out since Qatar, when he sustained 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung. That was the third injury of an annus horribilis.

Martin was able to test at Misano after Aprilia secured a change to the rules for returning riders. He completed 64 laps of the circuit, the equivalent of nearly 2.5 race distances.

Jorge Martin’s stance on leaving Aprilia may already be softening

When Martin does return, he will be bombarded with questions about his future. His manager, Albert Valera, attended the Dutch Grand Prix to publicly state that he was free for 2026 after triggering an exit clause.

The clause, related to his championship standing after the early rounds, is seen as valid by Aprilia due to his injuries. Martin’s lawyers are confident in his position, but that doesn’t reflect the consensus.

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

According to MOW, his chances of winning in court have ‘vanished immediately’ because the case would be heard in Milan. Italian law may favour Aprilia.

That could prompt the Spaniard to pursue a settlement. However, Aprilia’s compensation demands are so high that Martin may see a departure as far less lucrative.

The nasty surprise Jorge Martin is set to receive when he makes Aprilia return

‘The feeling’ is that the landscape is ‘slowly changing’, and this may be part of the reason why. In addition, Martin is no longer watching MotoGP races ‘fearful’ and ‘unnerved’ from afar.

He’s back on a bike that has already won a race in the hands of Marco Bezzecchi, and scored a podium at Assen. He’s understood to be ‘happy’ and revitalised after the test.

MOW claim that he hasn’t yet made his ‘real choice’, but will do so in the near future. It would be a remarkable u-turn to stay at Aprilia from here.

He will, however, find that Bezzecchi has become Aprilia’s leader in his absence. If the team sense a lack of commitment, they may naturally prioritise the Italian.