Marquez supports eventual rule change allowing injured MotoGP riders to test before comeback

Marc Marquez is in favour of allowing MotoGP riders to test their current bike before returning from an injury - but does not want the rule to be introduced right now.

During last weekend’s Argentina Grand Prix, Aprilia lodged a special request to allow its star rider Jorge Martin to test his RS-GP before making a comeback from injury.

The reigning world champion has missed the opening two grands prix of the 2025 season, after breaking his left hand in a training accident shortly before the Thailand opener. Martin is also due to miss the Americas GP on the 30 March, with Qatar next month being the earliest he may return. 

Marquez agreed that “it could be a good rule change” but only “for the future” referring to when he could not do it during his lengthy injury struggles from 2020 to 2023.

“Right now, it’s not in the regulations and it’s up to the teams to decide,” the six-time MotoGP champion told Motorsport.com.

“When I came back from my injury, this rule didn’t exist. Maybe we could consider allowing a test for someone who has been out for two months. But only for one day - two would be too much.”

Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing

Photo by: Aprilia Racing

Aprilia team manager Paulo Bonora explained the idea would be for Martin to test the bike for two or three days before travelling to Doha, most likely at Misano, given his lack of running in 2025.

Marquez added: “For a rider, it’s important to know if they’re fit to ride a MotoGP bike, but the difference between one day and two is minimal when you’re still injured. To regain race pace, you need more time on track.”

The opinion of Marquez is in line with his Ducati boss Davide Tardozzi, who also believes it would be good to change the rules but not for 2025.

“We faced the same problem with Enea [Bastianini in 2023], but nobody gave us the opportunity to let him test,” Tardozzi said over the weekend.

“I think it could be a good idea for the future. There is a good opportunity to change the rules for next year.

“[But] when Jorge recovers, he will be one of our big rivals. We know Jorge very well and we know he will be one of the guys that will fight with us for victories.”