Jorge Martin has been cleared by MotoGP’s medical director to get back on his Aprilia for a one-day test. The reigning champion, who has not raced since Qatar, won’t feature at the German Grand Prix. His first competitive appearance of the season might only come the week after.
German GP Odds Placed Him Among the Favourites
Before confirmation came that he’d miss Sachsenring, Martin’s odds to win there were sitting at 7/4 at various online bookmakers not on Gamstop that offer extensive betting markets, competitive odds, and enticing promotional offers. Only Francesco Bagnaia had shorter odds, while Pedro Acosta’s line floated just behind. It said a lot about how oddsmakers viewed Martin’s ability to rebound fast, and it underlined how close he’d come to making a proper return.
For a rider recovering from cracked ribs and a healing scaphoid, 7/4 showed more than optimism, it signalled faith in what he could still do on a bike. Many expected a push for the title, or at least a string of strong performances starting in Germany. Now, the earliest he can do that is Brno.
Martin’s Season So Far
Martin’s 2025 has been disjointed and opened the podium for other contenders. In Qatar, the only race he has ridden so far, he crashed and was run over by Fabio di Giannantonio. He’d already been nursing an injured wrist before that. The crash left him hospitalised in Doha, with rib fractures and renewed damage to his scaphoid. It was only after weeks back in Europe that recovery began to take shape.
A recent update from Dr Xavier Mir pointed to solid progress in the wrist. Movement was almost back to normal, but the bone itself hadn’t fully set. As for the ribs, MotoGP medical director Angel Charte confirmed that most fractures were healing well, though not yet fully fused.
The clearance for Martin to ride again doesn’t mean a return to racing just yet. The current MotoGP rules, which changed earlier this season, allow a test session specifically for riders recovering from long-term injury. That’s what Martin’s been cleared for. Just a single day, on a limited tyre allocation, to see how much pain he’s in and how far he’s come.
It’s worth remembering that the test is meant to be a stepping stone, not a comeback race. The number of tyres allowed is restricted to three sets. No full race simulation, no pushing to the limit. Just a controlled session to measure movement, comfort, and stability on the bike.
Aprilia Holding Back, For Now
The call now sits with Aprilia. Despite having the go-ahead from MotoGP’s top medical figure, the team has said they won’t confirm the Misano test until another round of medical checks is completed next week. They’ve not committed to anything yet, which lines up with the cautious stance they’ve taken since Qatar.
Some of that caution may come from elsewhere. Martin’s current contract situation remains unresolved. His status with the team is still unclear heading into 2026, and it’s no secret that there have been complications behind the scenes. Aprilia backing the new injury test rule made sense when it was first proposed, but that doesn’t mean they’ll rush into using it now.
Key points on the situation:
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Martin has medical clearance for a one-day test, possibly at Misano.
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Aprilia hasn’t confirmed it will go ahead with the session.
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Another medical assessment is scheduled before any final decision.
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Only three sets of tyres are permitted under the new regulation.
The test rule itself is new. It wasn’t on the books before this year. Aprilia had pushed for it ahead of Martin’s attempted comeback in Qatar. At first, rival teams resisted it. Eventually, the rule was adopted in time for the French Grand Prix. Martin is now the first rider to be cleared under it.
The irony is that Aprilia were the ones who lobbied hardest for the rule change, hoping it would help speed up Martin’s return. Now that he qualifies for it, they’re the ones holding back.
His Title Defence Has Faded
With five races already gone and at least one more to miss, the championship picture is no longer realistic for Martin. Even with perfect form from Brno onwards, it’s hard to see a way back into contention. The maximum he could have earned from those five events was 125 points. He currently has none.
MotoGP’s 2025 calendar runs for 20 rounds. The title isn’t mathematically gone, but it’s as good as. Bagnaia has passed the 100-point mark already. Others like Acosta and Bastianini are stacking up consistent finishes. Martin can still win races, but the idea of a full title defence is out the window.
That might actually work in his favour. Without pressure, he can focus on getting fit, riding freely, and proving to future employers that he’s still fast. Whether Aprilia wants to keep him or not, Martin’s next contract will depend on what he shows in the second half of the year.
For now, there’s little point in chasing a championship that’s already slipping away. The priority is simply getting back on the bike and building rhythm again.
Possible Brno Return, If Test Goes Well
If Aprilia goes ahead with the Misano test and if Martin completes it without setbacks, the Czech Grand Prix becomes the likely target for a return. That event falls one week after Germany. It’s also a track where Martin has been strong in the past, and one that could suit his rhythm if his body holds up.
A return there would give him half a season to build momentum, not for the championship, but for his next contract, his reputation, and whatever team he lines up with in 2026. All of that depends on Misano first, then on Aprilia saying yes.
Photo by Olav Tvedt on Unsplash
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