Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin returned to the MotoGP podium for the first time since the 2024 season after finishing third in the Sprint race in Goiania.
The Aprilia rider finished behind Marc Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio to record his first podium since the 2024 Valencia Grand Prix, where Martin grabbed his maiden MotoGP title with Pramac.
Jorge Martin scores his first Aprilia podium in the Sprint at the Brazilian GP – What is possible in the Grand Prix?
In 2025, Martin recorded one of the worst title defences in the sport’s history as he finished 21st in the standings. The Spaniard missed 15 races last year after suffering numerous injuries.
He has slowly been working his way back to full fitness and is now in a position to fight for race wins, with the RS-GP being capable of winning races. Marco Melandri feels Martin has his ‘litmus test’ against Marco Bezzecchi in Brazil, and he got the better of him in the Sprint.
Jorge Martin says he’s the ‘same or better’ than his 2024 season after grabbing his first Aprilia podium
Martin capitalised on a mistake from Bezzecchi to jump into third, and the Spaniard held position to grab his first podium for Aprilia. It has been a long road to recovery after a nightmare 2025 season.
Speaking via Motorsport Espana after the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint, Martin was feeling overwhelmingly positive with the result and his physical condition. He claims that he is riding ‘better’ than when he won the MotoGP championship.
“This podium finish feels really good after everything I’ve been through. I’ve learned a lot from last year. It’s like going from 2024 to 2026. Every time I go out on the track, I understand more what I need.
“I’m very, very happy. It’s been a tough road; a few months ago, I couldn’t eat, my girlfriend was feeding me. My goal was to finish, and the result was secondary. I’m just focusing on how I feel. There’s still a lot of work to do to catch the Ducatis.
“In terms of riding, I’m back. I think I’m the same or better than in 2024, but with a different bike. I’m about 5% off physically. Little by little, I’m getting closer to Bezzecchi, which is ultimately my goal.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
Brazilian Grand Prix podium shows ‘what could have been’ for Jorge Martin at Aprilia
The 28-year-old’s podium was a great moment for him and Aprilia, but the past tensions between the two parties leave some wondering if things could have worked out differently.
Neil Hodgson wonders ‘what could have been’ for Martin at the Noale outfit. Aprilia have not had the best version of the Spaniard since he joined in 2025 after his countless crashes and injuries.
Martin tried to break his contract during the season as he expressed dissatisfaction over the project. He later committed to the team after he could not force a move to Honda. Now that he is fully fit, rumours are suggesting that he is already out of Aprilia.
Martin is set to join Yamaha in 2027, with Francesco Bagnaia tipped to replace him and partner with Bezzecchi next year.
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