Marco Bezzecchi
For the first time since 2024, Jorge Martin is leading the MotoGP championship, yet he is not thinking about clinching the title.
After suffering immensely with injury in 2025, the Spaniard is back to his best in 2026. Aprilia have given Martin the tools to fight for podiums and race wins, and he tasted glory at the United States Grand Prix.
Jorge Martin wins the COTA Sprint Race! Is the 2024 champion finally back?
Martin won the Sprint race after a last-gasp overtake on Francesco Bagnaia. The Ducati rider had led the race from the start until the Aprilia star lunged for the lead on the final lap.
Bagnaia says Martin ‘deserved’ to win the Sprint, with the 28-year-old now clinching his record 17th Saturday win. Teammate Marco Bezzecchi crashed late on in the race, handing him the lead of the championship.
Jorge Martin is not thinking about winning the 2026 MotoGP championship
Martin leads the standings by just one point heading into Sunday’s race. Aprilia’s RS-GP is a bike capable of challenging Ducati for the title, and the Spaniard could be in a position to win his second MotoGP crown.
But this is not something he is thinking about. Speaking to Sky Italia after the race, Martin insisted that he was not even thinking about winning it in 2024 with Pramac, where he pipped Bagnaia by just 10 points.
“I won in 2024 and wasn’t thinking about the championship,” he said. “There’s no point in thinking about it or not thinking about it; you just have to go out there, finish the races, and score points.
“Then, at the end of the year, if I have a chance to win it, I’ll think about it, but right now there’s no point in thinking about it. If I can win, I’ll take it. For me, being effective is what matters.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
Jorge Martin says he’s now better than he was in 2024
Martin is certainly back to his best in 2026, with his past feud with Aprilia being long behind him and the team. The two parties appear in great harmony, and the Spaniard feels he is better than ever.
Martin says he’s now performing better than he did in 2024 when he won the MotoGP title. He has found the feeling from the RS-GP and can now fight with his teammate and Marc Marquez for the championship.
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However, there is a huge irony around the situation, as Martin is set to join Yamaha in 2027. He wanted to move quickly to secure his contract for next season, with Bagnaia due to replace him at Aprilia and partner with Bezzecchi.
The move has not been confirmed, but staying within the Noale outfit’s set-up could be possible. Martin’s only way of staying at Aprilia is joining Trackhouse, who currently have both of their seats available.
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