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:

• Martin has medical clearance for a one-day test, possibly at Misano.

• Aprilia hasn’t confirmed it will go ahead with the session.

• Another medical assessment is scheduled before any final decision.

• 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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Cooperb Motorcycles, Northants, England - Royal Enfield proudly announces its first ‘Journey, Destination, Memories’ (JDM) event, taking place on the 3rd of July at Cooperb Motorcycles. Kicking off a summer of special JDM events, customers can learn more about the Royal Enfield Custom project, take a test ride, and for this Cooperb event, join the team on a ride out for dinner and drinks at Brewpoint.

Running alongside the brand’s renowned Global Riders community events, the JDM programme offers riders a unique insight into the Royal Enfield Custom Team, where many of the renowned and unique machines showcased at events like BikeShed are conceived.

On top of this, riders attending the Cooperb event get to freely experience the Shotgun 650 and Super Meteor on the open flowing roads of Northamptonshire, with coffee and refreshments provided throughout the day. Cooperb Motorcycles are also offering the chance to ride the special ‘Wayward Edition’ Shotgun fitted with accessories, and a chat with the Custom Team may give you some ideas on designing your own ride!

Royal Enfield UK Marketing Manager, Becky Blackmore, commented

“JDM events aim to offer our riders a real insight into the passion behind everything we do. We are nothing without our global community. Being able to host events like this—where riders can learn more about the Custom Team and then hit the road together—is a fantastic opportunity for us all. We can’t wait to meet and ride with everyone who joins us.”

Test ride slots will run from 11:30am to 4pm, giving riders the chance to explore some of Northamptonshire’s best A and B roads aboard Royal Enfield’s Shotgun 650 and Super Meteor. The Custom Team will be due to arrive in the afternoon ahead of the evening JDM event, and riders are more than welcome to join them for a brew before setting off on a test ride.

The event also includes an exclusive introduction from the Royal Enfield Custom Team, with a specially commissioned custom build on display, before the group ride to Brewpoint for dinner and drinks, bringing the event to a memorable close.

A total of 50 slots will be available and can be booked here: Royal Enfield UK Riders Club

Royal Enfield Rider Club members will also receive an email invitation to this and future JDM events.

Ben, the automotive industry charity, is asking for the automotive community to support a family who are set to be filmed on DIY SOS in July. Ben is appealing for volunteers and donations to help bring a family’s beloved 13‑year‑old son, Dan Flemen, home.

Dan, who was an active and sociable teenager, started experiencing flu-like symptoms in November 2022. His life was irrevocably changed when his symptoms worsened, he became dizzy and was rushed to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. There, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Following emergency surgery, he suffered a stroke and now faces severe disabilities - he is non-verbal, can’t sit unaided, needs night-time ventilation support and requires 24‑hour care.

Since his diagnosis on 6th November 2022, Dan has been unable to return home, remaining hospitalised for over two and a half years as his family struggles with the day-to-day reality of living apart. Dan’s mother, Julie, has been living in hospital accommodation to be by his side, while his father, Nigel, who works for APL vehicle services, and two sisters travel over 50 miles from Freckleton, Lancashire to be with them.

Dan was an active and sociable teenager, a Cub and Scout, school council member, church volunteer, sports enthusiast, palaeontology buff and Manchester City supporter. Though non-verbal, he responds to familiar faces with smiles, and recent small improvements in his condition have given renewed hope. Dan is known in his local area as a cheerful, sociable and ambitious teenager.

The family home is not currently wheelchair-friendly and doesn’t have the space to accommodate Dan’s complex needs. To bring Dan back home, they need:

• A private, accessible bedroom
• Adapted bathroom
• Facilities for full-time care
• Social space to reconnect with family and friends.

The renovation costs are far beyond the family's means. The family will appear on the BBC’s DIY SOS series, with filming scheduled in Freckleton, Lancashire, from 16th-23rd July. The show will contribute to the work. However, contributions and volunteers are still vital.

Get involved - help bring Dan home

• Volunteers and tradespeople
  DIY SOS invites general volunteers for decorating, but also skilled electricians, plumbers, decorators, joiners, and suppliers of materials to support the team between 16th-23rd July. To offer support, contact: [email protected].
  
  
• Financial support
  Every donation brings Dan closer to a home that meets his needs: https://www.gofundme.com/f/DanFlemen

Nigel Flemen, Dan’s dad, said: “Our little family has always been very close, and the thought that Dan may never be able to come home is something we can’t consider or think about, it’s too devastating. That’s why we are asking for help. Dan needs to come home, where he belongs, with all of his family. We feel this would aid his recovery, mental health and quality of life.

“We are reaching out for help because we believe in the power of community. With your support, we can transform our home into a place where Dan can be surrounded by the love and care he needs and deserves. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to bringing Dan home. Thank you.”

When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

Originally started by a family team in Dorset, Riderr is now available nationwide offering a wide range of accessories, allowing consumers an enhanced choice when it comes to garage essentials. 

The diverse product range includes: tool kits, handlebar chargers, heated grips, motorcycle covers, locks and paddock stands. There are also cleaning products and brush sets - and even a Bluetooth communicator. 

With its bold black and yellow branding, the Riderr brand is easy to find and stands out in dealers and, thanks to distribution from Nevis Marketing, the range can now be found in dealers across the UK and Ireland. 

The first ‘drop’ of 45 products is available in dealers now with the product range being expanded with more items added throughout the year. 

Chris Crutwell, Co-founder of Riderr, comments: “The whole team at Riderr feels strongly about increasing the choice for customers and encouraging them to visit their local dealers. We have a strong background in a brick-and-mortar retail store and want to help support the sense of community that they offer.

"Working with Nevis, we've grown our range for the national launch and have some great new additions coming later this year too. We want to grow our brand together to create something very special."

Managing Director of Nevis Marketing, Scott Empson adds: “Everyone at Nevis is thrilled to partner with Riderr, an exciting new brand in the motorcycle accessories market. 

“Over the past several months, we’ve worked closely with the Riderr team to develop their launch collection, and we share their determination and passion to make this brand a lasting success. Riderr brings a fresh dimension to the Nevis portfolio, offering our dealers greater diversity, innovation, and enhanced choice for consumers.”

To see the full product range, visit www.nevis.uk.com.