Jorge Martin has returned to MotoGP action for the first time in 88 days, getting back on Aprilia’s RS-GP bike at Misano, as he completed a double test session.
As part of his final stage of rehabilitation, Martin travelled to the Rimini circuit this Wednesday to ride Aprilia’s MotoGP prototype machine, marking his first MotoGP track action since he suffered a pneumothorax and multiple rib fractures in a crash during the Qatar GP in April.
Including his pre-season injuries, Martin missed the first three grand prix of the season and, following his Qatar crash, the next seven events - meaning the reigning world champion has only participated in one of the first 11 rounds of the 2025 season, which reaches its halfway point this weekend.
According to Aprilia, Martin’s test in Misano consisted of “a series of stints using the three sets of tyres required under the new regulations introduced this season for injured riders. The goal of the day is for Jorge to reconnect with a MotoGP bike, the RS-GP25, after months of inactivity,” referring to a regulatory change pushed by the Italian manufacturer to allow riders returning from long-term injury to conduct a test with the MotoGP prototype — as is the case for the Spaniard.
One of the main issues Martin encountered with the Aprilia was riding posture, which was a planned area of focus during the test.
"It will also be important to check the ergonomics, considering the few kilometres he has covered with our bike," Aprilia added on Wednesday morning.
Martin made his first run on track completing 29 laps of Misano by 1:15pm local time. In the afternoon, the Madrid-born rider completed a similar number of laps without any major incidents and reported positive feelings on the bike.
"Being able to ride a MotoGP bike, having recovered, and being here riding again weighs much more than anything else that's happened," Martin said, referring to his time out injured.
"Being back on track with the race bike after everything that happened, and more than 20 fractures makes me very happy. I can only say that I'm very happy.
"The plan is to return to Brno. Now I have a week to train normally and prepare for this race. I'm going to work hard physically and on the bike to arrive well prepared.
"It's a track I haven't been to in years, and there's a bit of uncertainty, so maybe we can do well."
Although the test was successful and the rider felt good throughout, both Aprilia and Martin jointly decided that his return to racing will take place next week at the Czech GP in Brno.
MotoGP’s medical director Angel Charte had cleared Martin for testing but did not give him medical clearance to race in Germany.
Additionally, the nature of the German circuit — with tight corners and heavy braking — is not ideal for a return after such a long injury layoff.
