Jorge Martin Aims for Comeback at Valencia MotoGP Season Ender

Valencia, Spain – Jorge Martin, the Aprilia rider sidelined since a first-lap incident at the Japanese Grand Prix in September, is targeting a return to MotoGP action at the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix this weekend. The Spaniard’s presence at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit hinges on clearing a mandatory evaluation by the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Medical Team.

Martin’s 2025 Aprilia seat has been plagued by disruptions this season, the collarbone injury sustained at Motegi being the latest setback. This injury forced him to miss several races, impacting both his personal performance and the team’s overall standings.

An Aprilia statement confirmed Martin’s intent to participate in the Valencia Grand Prix, pending medical clearance. "Jorge Martin will travel to Valencia for the Valencian Grand Prix," the statement read. "He will still need to undergo evaluation by the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Medical Team in order to receive clearance to race."

The expectation within the Aprilia camp is that Martin will pass the medical assessment, indicated by the farewells extended to his stand-in, Lorenzo Savadori, following the Portuguese Grand Prix. Savadori has filled in admirably during Martin’s absence, but the team is eager to have its primary rider back on the grid.

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If Martin is cleared to race, the Valencia Grand Prix will mark only the eighth occasion in 22 races that Aprilia has been able to field its intended 2025 rider lineup. The disruptions have been a significant challenge for the team, hindering their ability to build consistency and momentum throughout the season.

While Martin has faced considerable time on the sidelines, his teammate Marco Bezzecchi has maintained a consistent presence. The Italian rider has not missed a race this season and recently secured his second Grand Prix victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix, underscoring his resilience and contribution to the team’s efforts. Bezzecchi’s performance has been a bright spot for Aprilia, providing valuable points and demonstrating the potential of the team’s machinery.

Adding to the anticipation surrounding the Valencia Grand Prix is the expected return of Maverick Vinales. The Tech3 KTM rider has been recovering from an injury sustained at the German Grand Prix earlier in the season. Vinales initially attempted a comeback but opted for additional rest and recovery, beginning with the Indonesian Grand Prix last month. His return was initially slated for the Portuguese Grand Prix, but he decided to allow his injury more time to heal in preparation for Valencia.

The Valencia Grand Prix holds significant importance beyond the final race of the season. A crucial test session is scheduled for the Tuesday following the race, providing teams and riders with their first opportunity to evaluate 2026 machinery. This test is particularly important for Martin and Vinales, as they look to gather valuable data and feedback to guide development for the upcoming season.

However, the Valencia Grand Prix will be without the presence of reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez. The Ducati rider is continuing his recovery from a right shoulder injury sustained in a crash with Bezzecchi at the Indonesian Grand Prix. Marquez is expected to attend the Valencia GP as a spectator, as well as the championship presentation in Valencia on the Sunday night after the race. His absence is a notable one, as he remains a key figure in the MotoGP paddock, despite his current injury.

The absence of both Martin and Vinales for significant portions of the season has had a notable impact on the rider standings and the team’s overall performance. Martin’s injury has prevented him from accumulating the points needed to contend for a higher position in the championship, while Vinales’ absence has similarly affected Tech3 KTM’s standing in the team rankings.

Jorge Martin’s career has been marked by both impressive highs and challenging lows. He entered the MotoGP scene with considerable promise, quickly establishing himself as a talented and competitive rider. His aggressive riding style and ability to extract maximum performance from his machine have earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent on the track.

However, Martin has also faced his share of setbacks, including injuries and mechanical issues that have hampered his progress. The current season has been particularly challenging, with the collarbone injury sustained in Japan representing a significant obstacle to his ambitions.

Despite these challenges, Martin remains determined to make a strong comeback and demonstrate his full potential. His decision to travel to Valencia and seek medical clearance underscores his commitment to the sport and his desire to end the season on a positive note.

The Valencia Grand Prix presents Martin with an opportunity to showcase his resilience and determination. Even if he is not fully recovered from his injury, his presence on the grid would be a testament to his character and his unwavering passion for racing.

The competition in MotoGP is fierce, with numerous talented riders vying for victory each weekend. The absence of key riders like Martin and Vinales has opened the door for other competitors to step up and demonstrate their abilities. Bezzecchi’s recent victory in Portugal is a prime example of this, highlighting the depth of talent within the MotoGP field.

As the season draws to a close, the Valencia Grand Prix promises to be an exciting and unpredictable event. The return of Martin and Vinales, coupled with the absence of Marquez, will undoubtedly alter the dynamics of the race. The outcome of the race will not only determine the final standings of the season but also provide valuable insights into the potential for the upcoming year.

The FIM Grand Prix World Championship Medical Team’s assessment of Martin will be crucial in determining whether he is fit to race. The medical team will evaluate the stability of his collarbone and assess his overall physical condition. If they deem him fit to race, Martin will be cleared to participate in the Valencia Grand Prix.

However, if the medical team determines that Martin is not yet fully recovered, he will be forced to sit out the race. This would be a disappointing outcome for Martin and his team, but it is essential to prioritize his health and safety.

The Valencia Grand Prix is a significant event for all MotoGP teams, as it marks the end of the season and provides an opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges of the past year. The race also serves as a platform to showcase new technologies and innovations, as teams prepare for the upcoming season.

The test session following the race is particularly important, as it allows teams to gather valuable data on their 2026 machinery. This data will be crucial in guiding development and ensuring that teams are well-prepared for the start of the next season.

The absence of Marquez from the test session will be a significant loss for Ducati. Marquez is a highly experienced and talented rider, and his feedback would have been invaluable in helping the team develop its 2026 machine.

Despite his absence, Ducati will still be able to gather valuable data from its other riders. The team will be looking to use this data to improve the performance of its machine and ensure that it is competitive in the upcoming season.

The Valencia Grand Prix is a fitting end to what has been a thrilling and unpredictable MotoGP season. The return of Martin and Vinales, coupled with the absence of Marquez, will undoubtedly add to the drama and excitement of the race.

Fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of the race and the results of the test session that follows. The Valencia Grand Prix is a must-see event for any MotoGP enthusiast, and it promises to be a fitting conclusion to the season.