Jorge Martin is on the brink of making a much-anticipated return to MotoGP, particularly as he gears up for the crucial pre-season test at Buriram, scheduled for February 21-22.
This former world champion faced significant challenges during his debut season with Aprilia, marred by a series of injuries that kept him sidelined. Moreover, he missed the first test of the current year at Sepang while recuperating from what was described as 'secret' follow-up surgery on both his wrist and collarbone.
In exciting news for fans and the team alike, Aprilia has recently confirmed that Martin’s latest medical assessment was “positive.” This means he will be heading to Thailand with the intention of participating in the upcoming test.
According to an official statement from Aprilia, "Today Jorge Martín underwent a medical evaluation of his left hand and right collarbone at the Hospital Ruber Internacional. The medical check was positive; therefore, he will travel to Buriram, Thailand, next week to take part in the Buriram Test."
It's important to note that Martin will still need to receive clearance from the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Medical Team before he can officially join the test. If all goes well and he is deemed fit to race, Buriram will mark his first opportunity to get back on track since the Valencia post-race test last year.
Following this, the Chang International Circuit will host the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season the subsequent weekend, adding to the anticipation surrounding Martin's return.
At the recent Sepang test, Martin's teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, showcased impressive performance by placing second on the timesheets, although he was outpaced by three riders from Ducati and KTM's Pedro Acosta during the Sprint simulations. While Bezzecchi has secured a contract renewal with Aprilia, there have been whispers linking Martin, who could only compete in eight out of last year's 22 races and achieved a top finish of fourth, to a potential factory Yamaha seat for 2027.
Peter, a seasoned presence in the paddock for over two decades, has witnessed the rise and fall of many stars, including Valentino Rossi, and remains engaged with ongoing stories such as Suzuki's exit and Marc Marquez's injury struggles. As Martin’s situation unfolds, fans and experts alike are eager to see how he will perform after his recovery.
