A Disappointing Start for Aprilia's MotoGP Season: Jorge Martin's Absence from Sepang Test
A champion's journey to recovery.
Aprilia has delivered some concerning news for MotoGP fans, confirming that their 2024 champion, Jorge Martin, will be absent from the highly anticipated pre-season test at Sepang next week. This development adds a layer of complexity to the team's preparations for the upcoming season.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite the surgeries, Martin will still travel to Malaysia to join his team and participate in MotoGP's official launch event. This decision has sparked debates among fans and experts alike.
Martin's injuries, sustained during the challenging 2025 campaign, have required two additional surgeries over the winter. The first surgery focused on his left hand's scaphoid bone, while the second targeted his right collarbone, broken during the sprint race at Motegi. These injuries have significantly impacted his training and preparation for the new season.
And this is the part most people miss... All of Martin's accidents were promptly treated, but the recovery process has been slower than expected, leading to further interventions. Aprilia kept the surgeries under wraps until now, only revealing them after Martin's appearance at the team's 2026 launch event in Milan.
The 27-year-old Spaniard is now targeting a comeback at the Buriram test, scheduled for February 21-22. If he recovers in time, he will have a mere two days of track practice before the season kicks off at the same Thai venue on March 1.
In Martin's absence, Aprilia has called upon their trusted test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, to step in at the Sepang test. Savadori, who played a similar role last year, will also be in action during this week's shakedown at Sepang, an event exclusive to test riders and rookies.
So, what does this mean for Aprilia's MotoGP campaign? Will Martin's absence impact the team's performance? And how will Savadori's involvement shape the team's strategy? These are the questions on everyone's minds as we eagerly await the start of the season.
Let's discuss! Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. Are you team Martin or team Savadori? And how do you think Aprilia will fare without their champion rider at the Sepang test?
