Jorge Martin Faces Double Long Lap Penalty Upon Potential Return at Valencia MotoGP

Jorge Martin, the Aprilia Racing Team rider, will be compelled to serve a double long lap penalty at the Valencia Grand Prix, the final race of the 2025 MotoGP season, contingent upon being declared medically fit to participate. The penalty stems from an incident that occurred during the Japanese Grand Prix sprint race at Motegi in late September.

During the sprint race, Martin made an error at the start, resulting in a collision with Marco Bezzecchi, his Aprilia teammate. The incident forced both riders out of the race. The adjudication of this incident was delayed due to Martin’s subsequent absence from the Japanese Grand Prix main race, as well as the following four rounds held in Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, and Portugal.

Martin returned to the MotoGP paddock on Thursday morning after undergoing surgery to repair the shoulder he fractured in the Motegi incident. He appeared before the race stewards to provide his account of the event.

Following a review of the evidence and Martin’s testimony, the stewards concluded that Martin had ridden "irresponsibly" and created a "dangerous situation" for other competitors. As a result, they deemed a double long lap penalty as the appropriate sanction. The penalty is to be applied during the main race on Sunday, not the sprint race on Saturday.

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The official statement from the stewards detailed the infraction: "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. 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 penalty classification: "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 double long lap penalty compounds what has been a challenging season for Martin with Aprilia. He has been sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to a series of injuries, hindering his ability to find consistency and competitive form on the RS-GP.

The incident at the start of the Motegi sprint race, where he sustained a displaced fracture on his collarbone, further exacerbated his season. Immediately following the crash, Martin traveled back to Barcelona, where he underwent surgery to repair the broken shoulder.

Prior to the race weekend in Valencia, Martin was scheduled to undergo medical tests to determine his fitness to participate in the Valencia Grand Prix. Following the conclusion of the season finale, the traditional Valencia test is slated for Tuesday, where Martin is expected to test the 2026-spec Aprilia for the first time.

Background on Jorge Martin

Jorge Martin Almoguera, born on January 29, 1998, is a Spanish Grand Prix motorcycle racer. He secured the 2018 Moto3 World Championship title and is currently contracted to Aprilia Racing Team. Martin’s career began in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2012, where he finished runner-up in 2013 and won the championship in 2014.

In 2015, Martin made his debut in the Moto3 World Championship with the Mapfre Mahindra Team. Over the next few years, he rode for various teams, achieving consistent results. In 2017, he joined Del Conca Gresini Moto3, securing his first pole position and victory at the Valencia Grand Prix. The following year, he won the Moto3 World Championship with seven victories and nine pole positions.

Martin progressed to Moto2 in 2019 with Red Bull KTM Ajo. He secured his first podium finish at the Japanese Grand Prix. In 2020, he continued with the same team, achieving two victories and several podium finishes, finishing fifth overall in the championship standings.

In 2021, Martin stepped up to MotoGP with Pramac Racing, a satellite team of Ducati. He secured his first pole position and victory in only his second race at the Doha Grand Prix. Despite suffering injuries during the season, he achieved several notable results and was named the "Rookie of the Year."

In 2022 and 2023, Martin remained with Pramac Racing, consistently challenging for podiums and race wins. He finished second in the 2023 championship, demonstrating his capability to compete with the top riders in the world.

Martin’s move to Aprilia Racing Team in 2025 marked a significant change in his career. However, his first season with the team has been plagued by injuries, limiting his ability to showcase his full potential.

Impact of the Penalty

The double long lap penalty presents a significant setback for Martin’s chances in the Valencia Grand Prix. The long lap penalty requires riders to navigate a designated section of the track that is longer than the normal racing line, resulting in a loss of time. A double long lap penalty, therefore, doubles the disadvantage, potentially costing Martin valuable seconds and positions in the race.

The penalty is particularly detrimental given the competitive nature of MotoGP, where races are often decided by fractions of a second. It will require Martin to execute a near-flawless race, compensating for the time lost in the penalty laps with superior pace and strategic overtakes.

Martin’s ability to recover from the penalty will depend on several factors, including his physical condition following the surgery, the performance of his Aprilia RS-GP, and his ability to manage tire wear throughout the race. Additionally, the weather conditions and the strategies employed by his competitors will also play a crucial role in determining his final result.

The Valencia Grand Prix marks the end of a challenging season for Martin, and the double long lap penalty adds another layer of complexity to his weekend. Despite the setback, Martin will be determined to put in a strong performance, demonstrating his resilience and potential as he looks forward to the 2026 season.

Aprilia Racing Team Performance

Aprilia Racing Team has a rich history in MotoGP, dating back to its debut in the premier class in 2002. The team has achieved several successes over the years, including race wins and podium finishes. In recent seasons, Aprilia has made significant progress in developing its RS-GP motorcycle, closing the gap to the leading manufacturers.

The team’s current rider lineup includes Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. While Martin has faced challenges due to injuries, Bezzecchi has shown promising performances, consistently scoring points and challenging for top positions.

Aprilia’s commitment to innovation and development is evident in its plans to introduce the 2026-spec RS-GP, which Martin is expected to test in Valencia. The new motorcycle is anticipated to feature significant upgrades in terms of engine performance, aerodynamics, and chassis design, aimed at further enhancing Aprilia’s competitiveness in MotoGP.

Looking Ahead

The Valencia Grand Prix is not only the final race of the 2025 season but also a crucial opportunity for teams to gather data and prepare for the upcoming 2026 season. The Valencia test, scheduled for the Tuesday following the race, provides teams with valuable track time to evaluate new components and refine their setups.

For Jorge Martin, the Valencia test will be particularly significant as he gets his first experience with the 2026-spec Aprilia RS-GP. The test will allow him to provide feedback to the team’s engineers, contributing to the development of the motorcycle and helping to shape Aprilia’s strategy for the future.

Despite the setbacks and challenges he has faced in 2025, Jorge Martin remains a highly talented and determined rider. His move to Aprilia Racing Team represents a significant chapter in his career, and he will be eager to put in strong performances and demonstrate his potential in the years to come. The double long lap penalty in Valencia presents an immediate hurdle, but it is unlikely to diminish his long-term ambitions and aspirations in MotoGP.