Jorge Martin: Doctor Gives Clear Verdict on MotoGP Return
Jorge Martin’s recovery remains uncertain as MotoGP’s medical director rules out his return for Argentina and assesses his chances for Austin.
Aprilia team manager Paolo Bonora has revealed that the Noale factory has put forward a proposal allowing injured riders, like Jorge Martín, to test a MotoGP bike before returning to competitive action.
The suggestion, aimed at improving rider safety, is currently being discussed with teams and Dorna at Termas de Río Hondo.
Martín, the reigning world champion, suffered a crash during the Sepang test after completing just 13 laps, resulting in multiple fractures in his right hand that sidelined him for the remainder of preseason.
His situation worsened when he injured his left hand in another fall while preparing for a comeback at the 2025 season-opening Thai Grand Prix.
As a result, he missed that race, the ongoing Argentine GP, and confirmed on Thursday that he will also sit out Austin in two weeks.
This means the Spaniard will go two months without riding a MotoGP bike before attempting a return at the Qatar GP.
“I’d like to make some sort of test before coming back to racing because I’m not feeling really good,” Martín admitted via video link in the pre-event press conference ahead of the Argentine Grand Prix.
“I know Massimo [Rivola] is working on that. So let’s see if we can make it possible.”
Aprilia’s proposal is centered on rider safety, but Rivola also sees a performance aspect to the discussion.
“At the moment, of course, we have a great interest in changing the rules, but it’s about all riders,” he said, as reported by Speedweek.
“Due to the concessions, the Japanese teams are currently allowed to test what they want.”
“Why can’t we make a rule for someone who has missed so many sessions to have a smoother approach to the speed of a MotoGP bike?”
Bonora elaborated on the reasoning behind the push: “This initiative is about improving safety.”
“It has happened many times before Jorge’s injury – when a rider has been out for a long period and returns on Friday, they are not fully prepared and struggle to continue through the weekend.”
“MotoGP is a highly demanding championship, with incredibly powerful bikes and high-performance tires, so we believe it’s only right to allow a rider who has been sidelined for multiple rounds to test the bike first.”
“We’ve put forward the idea, and discussions are ongoing. Hopefully, we’ll have a decision soon.”
According to Rivola, introducing such a rule would not only benefit the riders but also improve the overall show. “Let’s say Jorge starts in Qatar, does a lap in FP1, and then says, ‘I can’t ride this bike.’”
“Then we have one less bike on the grid. It’s not just about us, it’s about everyone. Look at Alex Rins last year – he missed many races due to injury.”
“With the current race weekend format, where you’re already in qualifying mode on Friday, you have to be at full speed immediately. This rule would help everyone.”
Aprilia is pushing for an official agreement via the Grand Prix Commission, with hopes that Martín could take part in a private MotoGP test at Misano before his planned return in Qatar. However, time is running out to secure approval.
