Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Jorge Martin set to return for Buriram test in Thailand

16:30, 09 Feb

Updated: 17:04, 09 Feb

byAndrew McLarney

MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin is set to return to action for the Buriram test on 21 February after the Spaniard missed the pre-season Sepang test due to injury.

Having won the MotoGP crown in 2024 after fending off Ducati rival Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin made the switch to Aprilia for 2025 when the factory seat was given to Marc Marquez.

The season was one of the darkest in Martin's career as he suffered a multitude of crashes and missed the majority of the season through injury.

The hangover from last year appears to have continued into the start of 2026 as Martin was ruled out of participating in the crucial Sepang tests while he underwent further surgeries.

However, the 'Martinator' has confirmed that he will be back in time for testing in Buriram ahead of the opening round of the season at the Thai circuit.

"My first test will be in Thailand to understand the development process," he told the official MotoGP channel, "I know Aprilia is doing an incredible job. We have a lot of data from last year with Marco Bezzecchi, who has a riding style very similar to mine, [...] I think I’ll struggle a bit in the first few races, but the year is very long. If the bike works and I adapt, I can be fighting for the top positions."

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Bezzecchi, who carried Aprilia throughout the 2025 campaign and accumulated several race wins and podiums throughout the year, has certainly set a high benchmark for Martin to follow and has been rewarded by Aprilia for those performances with a new multi-year contract extension.

Meanwhile, Martin's long term future at Aprilia remains uncertain. There was speculation last year that he might even break his contract without having completed a single race for the Italian manufacturer, with a move to Honda floated as the most likely option.

However, now that Honda appear to have Fabio Quartararo in their sights, Martin's options may in fact open up even further with the likes of Yamaha who will surely have him on their radar.

After missing so much track time over the last twelve months, Martin will be keen to get a good start in Thailand and remain injury-free this season.