Jorge Martin’s Return to MotoGP
Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin is gearing up to return to the track at the Thailand Grand Prix, despite missing almost all of pre-season testing due to injuries. Martin broke his right hand at the start of the Sepang test, necessitating surgery, and also sustained fractures in his left foot, which did not require an operation. This Saturday marks one week since Martin was discharged by doctors, and the Spaniard has been resting at home, focusing on his recovery. A person close to the rider confirmed that Martin is making progress and plans to start training next week to be in better physical shape for the Thailand Grand Prix, scheduled from February 28 to March 2.
Medical Update and Physical Preparation
With the Thailand race just two weeks away, Martin has a medical appointment scheduled for the coming week to assess the progress of his fractures and determine if he can commence training. The check-up, expected to be this Monday or Tuesday, will be crucial in ensuring Martin has the necessary six to seven days to get physically ready for the season opener. Despite the obstacles, Martin’s determination is evident, and he is expected to travel to Buriram later this month to contest the opening round. His eagerness and positive outlook are a testament to his resilience and the support he has received from his team at Aprilia.
Team’s Excitement and Preparations
Aprilia Racing is as excited as Martin about his return. The team’s technical director, Pablo Bonora, highlighted Martin’s incredible energy and his constant desire to stay informed about the team’s progress. "The best thing about Jorge is that he wants to know everything. We’ve been in constant contact minute-by-minute," Bonora said. This level of engagement has helped keep Martin involved even from a distance. Aprilia has been working tirelessly to make the bike more manageable, with significant improvements coming from the new 2025 engine. While Bonora is cautious about comparing Aprilia’s performance to other teams, he expressed confidence in the progress made during the Buriram test, where team-mate Marco Bezzecchi set the third-quickest time and showed strong pace on long runs.
Test Rider’s Contributions
In Martin’s absence, Aprilia turned to test rider Lorenzo Savadori to ensure they gained valuable mileage. "We’re happy with the test; we were clearly working for Jorge, with whom we’ve been in constant contact," Savadori explained. "He wants to know everything, he asks about everything, everything." The team has been working on a set-up that will allow Martin to quickly adapt to the bike when he returns to the Thai track. Savadori’s efforts have been crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum and ensuring that Martin’s bike is ready for his return.
Team’s Support and Expectations
Aprilia is eager to have Martin back in action and is doing everything possible to support his return. "We’re waiting for Jorge because we need his confirmation, that’s for sure," Bonora said. "For the first races, we will give him the base set-up we found during the winter." The team is optimistic that Martin will quickly find confidence with the bike, especially after seeing Bezzecchi’s strong performance in Buriram. Bonora emphasized that the first four races—Thailand, Argentina, Austin, and Qatar—will serve as a test for Martin, allowing him to regain the confidence he lost by missing the Sepang and Buriram tests. While the transition from Ducati to Aprilia will be challenging, the team is committed to ensuring Martin has the best possible start to the new season.
Looking Forward
As the Thailand Grand Prix approaches, the anticipation for Jorge Martin’s return to the track is palpable. Despite the setbacks, Martin’s resilience and the support of his team at Aprilia are key factors in his expected success. The first four races will be crucial in helping Martin adapt to his new bike and找回状态. With a strong support system and a determined mindset, Martin is poised to make a significant impact in the 2023 MotoGP season, starting in Buriram.
