Jorge Martin says two ‘important’ factors took him by surprise on his Aprilia return at the Czech Grand Prix

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Jorge Martin rounded off a successful MotoGP return with seventh for Aprilia at the Czech Grand Prix at Brno.

The reigning MotoGP champion finished his first race for 245 days in the top eight and delivered some impressive consistency throughout the event.

While his Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi was on the podium, the Noale-based manufacturer had two bikes in the top 10 for the first time this season.

That’s plenty of cause for celebration, especially in a week where Martin confirmed that he would be remaining with his team for 2026.

Martin held a behind-the-scenes meeting with Aprilia to reveal his emotions to them ahead of his return. He’s already at work trying to fix his bond with them.

Just days later, Martin ignored a stern warning from Aprilia and didn’t show any signs of caution in qualifying at the Czech Grand Prix. He wanted to push his new bike to its limits.

READ MORE: How Jorge Martin responded when asked if he was ‘motivated by money’ after trying to leave Aprilia for Honda

Jorge Martin expected to be more ‘tired’ and suffer more tyre woes on Aprilia return at the Czech Grand Prix

Martin was ‘really scared’ in his first session for four months on Friday, and feared that damp conditions could be his downfall.

He negated them well and got through the session. He also managed to make Q2 directly from practice in his first race back, which was super impressive.

Speaking after the race, Martin revealed how two things surprised him at Brno, after completing his first race distance of 2025.

“Today was a great day,” he said on TNT Sports. “I think I was really focused after 10 laps to try to understand what I need for the future. I think I was really constant [consistent].

“I thought I will be really much more tired let’s say at the end of the race, or I was expecting a bigger drop from the tyres but it wasn’t. So, I’m happy. I feel also really good with Aprilia, that this is really important.”

READ MORE: Jorge Martin’s father spotted doing something concerning in the Aprilia garage during Czech Grand Prix practice

Why the MotoGP summer break arrives at the perfect time for Jorge Martin

The summer break is the perfect opportunity for everyone to take a backseat and reset ahead of the second half of the MotoGP campaign.

Momentum and form almost go out the window, and by the time the Austrian Grand Prix rolls around, Martin should be playing on more of a level field with his rivals.

If he wasn’t 100% fit for his return, he will now be able to rest up a little more, reflect on his performance and come back stronger than ever in Spielberg.

If Aprilia can continue to improve, then there’s no reason why both Bezzecchi and Martin won’t be challenging for podiums at every race before the end of 2025.

Honda sent Martin a clear message and withdrew a three-year contract before he opted to remain with his team. It may turn out to be a very good decision.