Jorge Martin to Face Double Long Lap Penalty Upon MotoGP Return in Valencia

Jorge Martin, the Aprilia Racing Team rider, will be compelled to serve a double long lap penalty at the Valencia Grand Prix, the concluding race of the 2025 MotoGP season, contingent upon being declared medically fit to participate. This sanction arises from an incident that occurred during the Japanese Grand Prix sprint race at Motegi in late September, a race marred by a collision involving Martin and fellow Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi.

The incident at Motegi unfolded on the opening lap of the sprint race. Martin, starting from the second row, appeared to have a sluggish launch off the line. Attempting to recover lost ground, he aggressively moved to his left, impacting Bezzecchi, who had made a better start from the third row. The contact resulted in both riders crashing out of the race, with Martin subsequently diagnosed with a displaced fracture of his left collarbone.

The timing of the incident and the subsequent injury to Martin led to an unusual delay in the imposition of the penalty. The Spaniard was forced to miss the main race in Japan the following day, as well as the subsequent four rounds of the championship held in Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, and Portugal. The stewards deferred their verdict until Martin’s return to the paddock, allowing them to hear his account of the incident.

Martin returned to the MotoGP paddock on Thursday morning in Valencia, having undergone surgery to repair his fractured collarbone. He attended a hearing with the FIM MotoGP Stewards panel, comprised of representatives from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the sport’s governing body.

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Following a review of the incident, including video footage and testimony from Martin, the stewards concluded that the rider had been riding "irresponsibly" and had created a "dangerous situation" for other competitors. Consequently, they determined that a double long lap penalty was the appropriate punishment.

The double long lap penalty is a significant sanction in MotoGP, requiring the rider to navigate a designated extended section of the track on two separate occasions during the race. This detour adds considerable distance and time to each lap, typically costing the rider several seconds per infraction, thus impacting their overall race time and potential finishing position.

The penalty will be applied during the main Grand Prix race on Sunday, not during Saturday’s sprint race. The FIM MotoGP Stewards panel issued a formal statement outlining the basis for their decision:

"During the MotoGP Sprint of the Grand Prix of Japan at Turn 1, you were found to be riding in an irresponsible manner causing a crash, involving rider #72," the statement read, referring to Marco Bezzecchi’s race number. "This contravenes the specific instructions given to MotoGP competitors and teams, and is considered irresponsible riding causing danger to other competitors. It is therefore an infringement of Article 1.21.2 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations."

The statement further elaborated on the categorization of the incident and the corresponding penalty: "Following the penalty protocols issued to teams, this action was deemed to be an incident of Type MGP-CC5: Start of the race/opening lap. Actions that create a dangerous situation for multiple riders and/or causing a crash. As a first offence for the season, the appropriate penalty in this case is a Double Long Lap Penalty."

The imposition of the penalty compounds what has been a difficult first season for Martin with the Aprilia Racing Team. After joining the team at the start of the 2025 season, expectations were high, given Martin’s previous performances with Pramac Ducati. However, a series of crashes and resulting injuries have significantly hampered his progress.

Prior to the Motegi incident, Martin had shown flashes of potential on the Aprilia RS-GP, securing several top-ten finishes. However, he struggled to consistently challenge for podium positions, and his season was ultimately defined by inconsistency and misfortune.

The crash at Motegi was particularly frustrating for Martin, as it occurred just as he felt he was beginning to adapt to the Aprilia machine. He had qualified well for the sprint race and was optimistic about his chances of securing a strong result. The subsequent injury and enforced absence from the following races further disrupted his season and hindered his development with the team.

Upon returning to Barcelona after the Motegi crash, Martin underwent immediate surgery to stabilize the fractured collarbone. The operation was deemed a success, but the recovery process was lengthy and demanding. Martin worked diligently with his medical team to regain fitness and strength, determined to return to racing as soon as possible.

Martin’s participation in the Valencia Grand Prix remains contingent on passing a medical examination conducted by MotoGP medical staff. He will undergo thorough assessments to determine the stability of his shoulder and his overall physical condition. Only if he is deemed fully fit will he be permitted to participate in the weekend’s events.

The Valencia Grand Prix holds particular significance as it marks the final race of the 2025 season. It also represents the last opportunity for riders to accumulate points and improve their overall championship standings. For Martin, the race offers a chance to salvage something from a disappointing season and to demonstrate his potential to the Aprilia Racing Team.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the Valencia weekend is the post-race test scheduled for Tuesday. This test provides teams with an opportunity to evaluate new components and technologies in preparation for the following season. Martin is expected to participate in the test, where he will have his first opportunity to sample the 2026-spec Aprilia machine. This will provide him with valuable insights into the direction of the team’s development and allow him to contribute to the design of the future motorcycle.

The 2025 MotoGP season has been marked by intense competition and dramatic moments. The championship battle has been closely contested throughout the year, with several riders vying for the title. The Valencia Grand Prix is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the season, with both championship implications and individual rider performances at stake.

Jorge Martin’s return to racing at Valencia, coupled with the double long lap penalty, adds another compelling storyline to the weekend. It remains to be seen whether he can overcome the disadvantage imposed by the penalty and deliver a strong performance for the Aprilia Racing Team. His participation in the race and the subsequent test will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike.