Former MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin is set to make a highly anticipated return to the sport, with his comeback in the final pre-season test at Buriram, Thailand, on February 21-22. This news comes as a relief to fans after a challenging debut season with Aprilia, where Martin faced a series of injuries that impacted his performance.
Martin's journey back to the track has been a long road to recovery. He suffered a string of injuries during his first season with Aprilia, including issues with his wrist and collarbone, which led to him missing the opening test at Sepang. The Spaniard's resilience is evident as he now prepares to take on the track once again.
Aprilia has confirmed that Martin's recent medical check-up was positive, indicating that he is on the mend. The team announced, "Today, Jorge Martin underwent a medical assessment of his left hand and right collarbone at the Hospital Ruber Internacional. The results were encouraging, and he will now travel to Thailand to participate in the Buriram Test."
This test will be a significant milestone for Martin, as it will be his first on-track appearance since the post-race test in Valencia last year. The Chang International Circuit will then host the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season the following weekend, providing Martin with an opportunity to showcase his progress.
Martin's teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, had a strong showing at the Sepang test, finishing second on the timesheets. However, the Italian's performance was overshadowed by the three Ducati riders and KTM's Pedro Acosta during the Sprint simulations. Despite this, Bezzecchi has re-signed with Aprilia, while Martin's future remains uncertain.
There are rumors that Martin is being considered for a factory Yamaha seat in 2027, which would be a significant step in his career. With his injuries affecting his participation in last year's races, Martin only managed to start eight out of the 22 rounds, with a best result of fourth. His potential move to Yamaha could be a controversial topic among fans, as it may impact the team's dynamics and strategies.
As Martin prepares for his return, the question of his fitness and performance remains a key focus. The FIM Grand Prix World Championship Medical Team will need to evaluate him to ensure he is cleared to join the test. This evaluation will be crucial in determining Martin's future in MotoGP and his potential impact on the sport.
The story of Jorge Martin's comeback is a testament to his determination and the support of his team. As he gears up for his first test since last year's Valencia, the MotoGP community eagerly awaits his performance and the potential impact on the championship.
