Martín Navigates Adaptation Challenges with Aprilia MotoGP Bike, Citing "Rookie" Sensations

Valencia, Spain – Jorge Martín, the seasoned MotoGP rider, has confessed to experiencing moments of feeling like a newcomer while piloting Aprilia’s RS-GP machine. This admission comes after a trying 2025 season marked by a series of injuries that significantly hampered his integration into the team and his ability to fully exploit the bike’s potential.

Martín’s 2025 campaign was severely disrupted, as he only managed to start in seven of the 22 Grand Prix events. The Spaniard endured four separate injury setbacks throughout the year, including two incidents during the pre-season testing phase. These setbacks not only sidelined him from competition but also drastically curtailed his track time, which is crucial for adapting to a new motorcycle and team environment.

Following his winter transfer from Pramac Ducati, the move to Aprilia Racing was anticipated to be a significant step in Martín’s career. However, the disrupted season severely impeded his adaptation to the Aprilia RS-GP. His best result of the season was a single top-five finish.

The recent Valencia test provided a crucial opportunity for Martín to regain lost ground and familiarize himself with the bike in a more relaxed, low-pressure setting. During the test, he evaluated a new fairing and frame package, elements that could potentially feature on the 2026 machine. The Valencia test, held at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, was designed to allow riders and teams to assess new components and directions for the upcoming seasons without the immediate pressure of race weekend performance.

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Martín completed 52 laps of the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Despite the additional mileage, he openly acknowledged that he is still struggling to feel completely at ease with the RS-GP.

"To ride more and more with Aprilia is always good. I get confidence, but for me, sometimes I feel like a rookie with this bike, because it’s difficult for me to understand different things or when we change things, like the fairing," Martín explained.

Despite the challenges, Martín highlighted some positive developments from the test, particularly concerning the chassis. "For me, the biggest step was the chassis, it was really good. Straight away we started with it and turning was more natural, it’s more fitting to my style, so this is good."

However, he noted the complexities in understanding the impact of the new fairing. "And then in terms of fairing, it is difficult to understand. We still need to do some meetings to understand what to try in Malaysia, because we ended the season with a really good feeling and to improve that is really difficult."

The Aprilia Racing Team faces a delicate balancing act. The team seeks to refine and improve existing components while also innovating for the future. The rider’s feedback is essential in this process, ensuring that any changes align with the rider’s style and preferences.

Martín also disclosed ongoing efforts to fine-tune the ergonomics of the Aprilia, a process that is typically completed during pre-season testing. He is specifically working to rediscover his usual strength on corner exits, a critical aspect of his riding style.

"I tried different tanks, different footpegs, and also some positives from there, but it was a big confusion also for the riding style and we had a really short time to try, so we went back to standard," Martín stated. "But in Malaysia I will change the footpegs to help me to improve my style with the Aprilia, because still the drive is a big issue for me when I exit from the corners. Normally, it’s my strongest point, but I cannot take out the full potential from the Aprilia, so it’s where I want to really focus on."

The focus on corner exits underscores the technical intricacies of MotoGP racing. Even minute adjustments to the rider’s positioning and the bike’s ergonomics can have a substantial impact on performance. Martín’s dedication to addressing these issues highlights the commitment required to compete at the highest level.

Martín’s struggles in Valencia were compounded by lingering physical issues. He had to retire from the Valencia GP, which took place on Sunday, after completing 15 of the 27 laps. This retirement was part of a pre-agreed arrangement with Aprilia, aimed at managing his physical condition.

Even though Martín was declared fit to participate in the final round of the season, he was still feeling the effects of a collarbone injury sustained during the Japanese Grand Prix. The Motegi crash had a more lasting impact than initially anticipated.

"I just need to recover. To not feel pain is the main thing," he said after the Valencia test. "When I ride, I still have pain on my back, on my ribs, on my hand, on my collarbone, on the shoulders. To ride like this is really difficult. It was much more than what I expected."

The physical challenges facing Martín underscore the demanding nature of MotoGP racing. Riders must be in peak physical condition to handle the immense forces exerted on their bodies during high-speed cornering and braking. Recovering from injuries, especially in a short timeframe, can significantly impact a rider’s performance and confidence.

Martín’s determination to overcome these challenges is evident in his statements. "I still feel there are five-six tenths to pick to win, so I just need to understand the bike a bit more, and as soon as I feel 100% with my body, I can ride and take more risks. Also mentally, when you ride with this margin to not crash, you cannot take the confidence."

The mental aspect of racing is often overlooked, but it plays a pivotal role in a rider’s success. Confidence, or lack thereof, can influence decision-making, risk assessment, and overall performance. Martín’s acknowledgement of the mental challenges he faces is a testament to the complexities of competing at the highest level.

Looking ahead, Martín and the Aprilia Racing Team are focused on addressing these issues during the upcoming pre-season tests. The Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia will be a critical venue for further evaluations and adjustments. The tests will provide Martín with the opportunity to log more valuable track time, experiment with different setups, and work closely with his crew to optimize the bike’s performance.

The Aprilia Racing Team has been steadily improving its MotoGP program. In recent years, the team has invested heavily in technology and personnel, striving to close the gap to the dominant manufacturers in the sport. The addition of a rider of Martín’s caliber underscores Aprilia’s ambition to compete for race wins and championships.

Martín’s journey with Aprilia is emblematic of the challenges inherent in MotoGP racing. The combination of technical complexity, physical demands, and mental fortitude required to succeed makes it one of the most demanding sports in the world. As Martín continues to adapt to the RS-GP and overcome his physical challenges, his progress will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.