Reigning World Champion Jorge Martin is set to make his much-anticipated return to the grid at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar this weekend.
After missing the opening rounds of the 2025 season due to a string of injuries, Martin is ready to get back on his Aprilia RS-GP25 at the Lusail International Circuit, pending a final medical clearance on Thursday.
The Spaniard’s road to recovery has been nothing short of grueling. Martin first injured his right hand and left foot during the Sepang Test, only to suffer a complex fracture of the radius and scaphoid in his left hand, as well as a calcaneal fracture on the same side, following a crash while training ahead of the Thai GP. Those injuries forced the #1 plate holder to sit out the races in Thailand, Argentina, and the Americas.
Now, after weeks of rehabilitation and uncertainty, the champion is set to suit up again.
“I have a great desire to be back on the track and I’m happy to at least be able to try and race in Qatar,” said Martin in a statement released by Aprilia Racing.
“The goal will be to build up a bit of confidence with the RS-GP25 and to begin to turn some laps. I don’t know how my physical fitness will be – undoubtedly not 100%. We’ll try to do our best and to improve gradually. Physically, I’m not even sure I’ll be able to finish the race, but if we can manage, it will be a victory because that will mean that I’m beginning to recover. We need to take one step at a time to try and get back to our normal level as soon as possible.”
Martin’s return couldn’t come at a more crucial time for Aprilia, who are looking to regain momentum in the championship battle. The presence of their title-winning rider on the grid, even at partial fitness, brings a massive boost to the team both technically and psychologically.
MotoGP’s attention now shifts to Lusail, where all eyes will be on Martin as he embarks on what promises to be one of the most courageous comeback stories of the season.
The Qatar GP weekend begins with Free Practice on Friday, and if Martin is cleared, he’ll be lining up with the rest of the field in what could be an emotional and defining chapter of his career.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
