Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin has suffered a blow not long before the 2026 MotoGP season kicks off, with confirmation of two significant surgeries.
Although the procedures may not have taken long, they’re significant because they were performed on two areas of concern for the Aprilia rider last year.
His collarbone, broken in Japan, and his scaphoid, damaged in Sepang, have now both been cleaned up, as a result of a recovery process that was taking too long ahead of the new MotoGP campaign.
Having not touched a motorcycle in two months since the end of last season, Martin is now racing against the clock to be approved to take part in the first race of the season.
Is Jorge Martin the unluckiest rider in MotoGP?
MotoGP fans feel sorry for Martin after reports that his latest setback may cause him to miss pre-season testing.
After a disastrous 2025, Martin will only negotiate with factory teams for 2027. He won’t go back to being at a satellite team like he was at Pramac.
READ MORE: Jorge Martin snubs Marc Marquez when naming the toughest MotoGP rider he’s ever fought
‘Sources’ close to Jorge Martin confirm that he’s nearly at 100% fitness again
Massimo Rivola believes Honda and Yamaha have offered Martin deals, but that doesn’t mean that he’s interested or going to accept them.
As long as they have a bike that can compete, Martin should be content with hanging around until the new regulations begin in 2027.
Once he sees how competitive they are, maybe he can make a move, but that feels like a bit of an afterthought given his current situation.
Diario AS reports that ‘sources close’ to Martin claim he’s nearly already at 100% fitness again, following some ‘cosmetic’ surgery procedures.
If that is the case, then reports that he’ll miss pre-season testing may be wide of the mark. He hasn’t been ruled out yet, and this indication is promising.
Martin is focused on the here and now and getting back to the level of form that he displayed before 2025. Perhaps these surgeries will help him get there.
READ MORE: Honda are not the only MotoGP team with Jorge Martin on their 2027 ‘wish list’
How Marco Bezzecchi could be really useful for Jorge Martin in 2026
Martin can see where he is ‘less effective’ than Marco Bezzecchi, and his rise as the team leader last year will only help them both.
He has helped to develop their bike and bring it up to a standard where they can challenge Ducati for wins.
Who knows? Maybe 2026 ends up being the year that they contend for a championship, instead. For that to happen, Bezzecchi will need to collaborate well with Martin.
Getting the best out of each other will be crucial. On their day, everyone knows that they can be two of the best, and now they need to produce that consistently on an Aprilia.
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