Jorge Martin faces tough recovery after MotoGP injury setback

Jorge Martin’s recovery from injury delays his return to MotoGP, casting doubt over his comeback timeline.

Jorge Martin of Spain and Aprilia Racing reacts during the first day of the 2025 MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang International Circuit in Sepang on February 5, 2025. Photo by Mohd Rasfan/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Jorge Martin has endured a frustrating start to the 2025 MotoGP season, with injuries keeping him sidelined and delaying his long-awaited debut for Aprilia. The reigning champion fractured his right hand and left foot just a few laps into his first official pre-season test in Sepang, throwing his title defense into immediate jeopardy.

Initially, Martin had hoped to recover in time for the season-opening Thailand Grand Prix, but an additional fall forced him to undergo further surgery. As a result, he missed both the Thailand and Argentina rounds, with uncertainty surrounding his potential return at the Grand Prix of the Americas later this month.

Now, over five weeks since his crash, sources close to Martin have reported positive developments in his recovery. While the Spaniard remains eager to get back on the grid, medical experts have advised him to prioritize his healing process before making a comeback. A MotoGP medical official reportedly urged Martin to sit out Argentina, emphasizing the importance of a full recovery before returning to the demands of racing at the highest level.

Martin’s struggles add pressure to his title defense

As the reigning MotoGP champion, Martin had looked forward to defending his crown, even after making the bold switch from Ducati to Aprilia. Despite moving away from the dominant Ducati package, he was confident in his ability to compete. However, missing the first two races of the season has put him at a disadvantage, allowing his rivals to build an early lead in the championship standings.

Adding to Martin’s frustration was the impressive performance of Ai Ogura, who came close to securing a podium finish in Thailand while riding a satellite Aprilia. Watching a rookie contend at the front on similar machinery will have only fueled Martin’s determination to return stronger.

Reports from Mowmag suggest that Martin could travel to Argentina between March 14-16 to support Aprilia from the garage as he prepares for his comeback. Meanwhile, Pramac Racing CEO Paolo Campinoti has hinted that the Spaniard may target a return in Qatar. However, delaying his comeback could allow Martin to regain full strength and ensure a more competitive performance upon his return.

How long should Martin wait before returning?

The longer Martin remains on the sidelines, the more ground he risks losing in the championship battle. Yet, rushing back too soon could lead to further complications and impact his ability to compete at the highest level.

Ogura’s strong showing in Thailand, where he battled alongside reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia while riding a satellite Aprilia, indicates that Martin would likely be in podium contention once fully fit. Given his exceptional qualifying speed, he might have even been in the fight for pole position.

At some point this season, Martin is expected to secure his first victory with Aprilia. However, the key to his success lies in patience—ensuring he makes a full recovery before rejoining the grid. With his title defense hanging in the balance, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining when he can finally return to action.