After a grueling 12-month odyssey defined more by hospital corridors than racing lines, the “Martinator” is finally back online. Aprilia Racing has confirmed that reigning 2024 World Champion Jorge Martin has been officially declared fit by FIM medical officials for this weekend’s crucial pre-season test in Buriram, Thailand.
This marks the end of a “nightmare” 2025 campaign for the Spaniard, who saw his title defense derailed before it even began, ultimately sidelining him for 14 of the 22 Grands Prix last year.
The road to recovery has been a test of mental fortitude as much as physical endurance. Martin’s 2025 season was a series of unfortunate events, starting with a high-speed crash at the Sepang test that fractured his right hand, followed by a terrifying collision at the Qatar Grand Prix that left him with a collapsed lung and 11 broken ribs. Even when he attempted a late-season comeback, the physical toll was undeniable.
Following the season finale in Valencia, Martin sought advice from fellow champion Marc Marquez, which led him to undergo two major revision surgeries in December to address bones that simply refused to heal correctly.
These procedures, performed at the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid, involved a complex bone graft from his hip to repair a non-healing left scaphoid and a revision of his right collarbone with a more robust plate and screw configuration. While he was forced to watch the initial 2026 Sepang Test from the pit wall—analyzing data and immersing himself in the Aprilia garage—this weekend represents his first real chance to tame the RS-GP26.
The stakes in Thailand could not be higher, as the Buriram Test is more than just a shakedown; it is a race against time. With the 2026 season opener scheduled at this very same venue in just one week, Martin has only two days to find his rhythm and adapt to Aprilia’s latest aerodynamic upgrades.
The paddock will be watching the #89 garage closely to see if the champion has retained his signature “all-or-nothing” spark after such a prolonged absence. For Martin, the target is clear: proving that while his body may have been broken, his drive to lead the pack remains fully intact.
