Jorge Martin eyes confidence boost in Qatar MotoGP return

Aprilia rider targets recovery and track rhythm after injury layoff.

Jorge Martin of Spain and Aprilia Racing smiles in the garage during free practice for the MotoGP of USA on March 28, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

After a frustrating spell on the sidelines due to injury, Jorge Martin eyes confidence boost in Qatar MotoGP return as the Aprilia rider prepares to rejoin the grid this weekend at the Lusail International Circuit. The reigning world champion, who missed the first three rounds of the season, admitted that his return is more about rebuilding rhythm than chasing podiums.

“I was really looking forward to getting back on track, and I’m happy to at least be able to try and race in Qatar,” said Martin in an official statement released by Aprilia on Wednesday. “The goal is to build a bit of confidence with the RS-GP25 and start doing some laps.”

Martin's tone is cautious but optimistic. While he knows the Lusail track won’t be kind to a rider still regaining strength, the Spaniard is treating this return as the first step in a gradual recovery. And while his physical condition may not yet be ideal, Martin believes simply finishing the race would be a symbolic win.

“I don’t know how my physical fitness will be—no doubt not 100 percent,” he admitted. “Physically, I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to finish the race, but if we can, it would be a victory because it would mean I’m starting to recover.”

A difficult circuit under difficult conditions

Even before the injury setback, Lusail wasn’t Martin’s favorite hunting ground. Last season, his best finish at the Qatari circuit was third place—respectable, but far from dominant. Now, with a weakened body and an unfamiliar machine beneath him, the challenge is steeper.

The RS-GP25 is a new beast for Martin, who previously won his world title on Ducati’s satellite bike with Pramac Racing. His transition to Aprilia was one of the most talked-about moves of the off-season, a fresh chapter following his championship-clinching campaign in 2024. However, the injury he sustained during winter testing derailed what was supposed to be a strong start with his new team.

“I’m learning a lot, and just being back on the bike—even if not at full capacity—means I can start collecting feedback and helping the team fine-tune things,” Martin explained. “The most important thing for now is just being on track.”

The championship landscape without Martin

While Martin’s recovery has been the focus within the Aprilia garage, the 2025 MotoGP season has charged ahead. Alex Marquez, currently leading the championship standings, has emerged as a surprise frontrunner. He holds a one-point lead over his brother, six-time world champion Marc Marquez, and has claimed two main race victories and three sprint race wins in the opening rounds.

This surge from Alex Marquez has added a new dynamic to the title fight, especially in the absence of Martin. By the time he lines up at Lusail, Martin will trail the championship leader by 87 points—a daunting gap that will take a monumental effort to close over the course of the season.

But the reigning champion isn’t writing off his season just yet.

“There are still a lot of races left,” Martin noted. “This is a long season. I just need to get back into rhythm and avoid rushing myself. The focus is health first—performance will come.”

Aprilia’s hopes rest on patience and progress

For Aprilia, Martin’s return is as much about long-term development as it is about immediate results. The team has yet to see the full potential of their new lead rider on the RS-GP25, and Lusail provides a starting point for gathering critical data.

Aprilia Racing Team Principal Massimo Rivola said earlier this week that the goal in Qatar isn’t about podiums or lap times—it’s about Martin feeling comfortable again.

“We're not placing any pressure on Jorge,” Rivola said. “He’s a champion, and he knows how to manage expectations. This weekend is about finding confidence and making sure he finishes strong.”

Aprilia's other riders have shown flashes of promise this year, but without Martin, the team hasn’t been able to challenge consistently at the front. His return, even in a limited capacity, is seen as a psychological boost to the entire garage.

A comeback measured in laps, not trophies

As Jorge Martin eyes confidence boost in Qatar MotoGP return, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely—not for wins, but for signs that the world champion is on the path back to his best. While a podium at Lusail may be out of reach, completing the full race distance could mean even more.

MotoGP has always been a sport of fine margins and extraordinary resilience. Martin’s comeback—deliberate, methodical, and grounded in realism—is a reminder of the human element behind the helmets and machinery.

“I want to enjoy being back on the bike,” he said. “I know the results will come later, but right now, I just want to feel like a racer again.”

As the floodlights shine over the desert circuit this weekend, Jorge Martin will make his first meaningful steps in defending his crown. Whether or not he finishes in the top ten, his presence alone is a victory for perseverance.