Jorge Martin breaks silence on MotoGP return ahead of Qatar

Jorge Martin has been given the all-clear to return to racing in Qatar.

Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin has spoken to the media after being given the all-clear for a racing return to Qatar.

Martin, who joined Aprilia this year off the back of his 2024 title, is yet to actually race for the team after suffering from two crashes before the season began. His first crash during testing in Sepang led to surgery on his right hand and left foot. Despite recovering well, the Spanish rider crashed once again before the season started, which led to further surgery and has seen him out of action since.

Confirming the news ahead of the race weekend in Qatar, MotoGP shared:

"Initial medical checks in Europe confirmed the #1 was able to travel to Doha in the hope of racing for the first time this season after we saw and heard from the 2024 World Champion at the Americas GP. And now, having passed the compulsory medical test at the Lusail International Circuit on Thursday, Martin is cleared to head out on track for FP1 on Friday afternoon."

Now, speaking to the media ahead of his first race weekend back, Martin explained:

"I'm a bit nervous and very happy. I've been through two difficult months and I've worked so hard to be here. Definitely from a physical point of view, I am not 100% and I don't really know what to expect. I have good strength, but I still feel pain. The important thing will be to do laps.

"I have no fears or doubts, but I don't know how I will feel riding a MotoGP bike. When you are on the track you are always on the limit, but I will have to keep some margin to be able to control the riding. Let's say I will give 90%."

Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing

Photo by: MotoGP

The Spanish rider added:

"I will deal it session by session because right now I don't even know if I can finish the weekend, if I can it would already be a great success. This is not my time, I have to get my confidence back, then in two or three months we will see if I can fight with the best."

Martin made an appearance during the previous race weekend in Austin as a surprise to the Aprilia team. Commenting on why he wanted to be present at the Circuit of the Americas, Martin said:

"It was important for me to be there because everything is new and I have already learned something. I've been with the team, raced with them, and now I'm more used to their way of working and ready to start."