Jorge Martin Vows to Overcome Disastrous 2025 MotoGP Season, Sets Sights on 2026

VALENCIA, Spain – Jorge Martin, the 2024 MotoGP World Champion, has expressed his determination to rebound from a calamitous 2025 season, marred by injuries and a significant dip in performance following his move to Aprilia Racing. Speaking ahead of the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix, Martin candidly described his year as "shitty," but insisted that it would not define his legacy in the sport.

Martin’s 2025 campaign has been a stark contrast to his title-winning performance with Pramac Ducati the previous year. After securing the championship in dominant fashion, expectations were high for the Spaniard as he joined Aprilia, a team looking to solidify its position among the top contenders in MotoGP. However, a series of unfortunate events derailed his season before it even began.

During the pre-season, Martin suffered two separate training injuries that sidelined him from testing and early race preparations. He was forced to miss the initial rounds of the championship, making his first appearance only at the Qatar Grand Prix in April. However, his return was short-lived, as another crash at the Losail International Circuit sent him back to the hospital, further delaying his season.

The challenges continued for Martin throughout the first half of the year. He struggled to find his rhythm with the Aprilia RS-GP, and mechanical issues and further minor incidents hampered his progress. It was not until the Czech Grand Prix in July that Martin finally managed to complete a full race, a testament to the difficulties he faced during this period.

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As Martin began to show signs of adapting to the Aprilia machine, disaster struck again at the Japanese Grand Prix. In the sprint race, a misjudgment at the start led to a collision with his teammate, Marco Bezzecchi. The impact resulted in a broken shoulder for Martin, forcing him into another lengthy period of recovery and sidelining him from several more races.

Despite the setbacks, Martin has shown remarkable resilience. He returned to the paddock in Valencia, determined to participate in the season finale, marking only his eighth appearance in 22 race weekends. Following a medical assessment, he was declared fit to ride, signaling his commitment to finish the season on a positive note.

"I feel good and happy to be here," Martin said in Valencia. "It’s been a shitty year, but I wanted to put it behind me. I didn’t want to stay at home until February. I’ve worked hard to be here this weekend. My goal is to start working towards 2026; for me, this is already a test."

Martin’s move to Aprilia was initially seen as a significant step forward in his career. The Italian manufacturer had made substantial progress in recent years, with both Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez securing race wins earlier in the season, demonstrating the potential of the RS-GP. However, Martin has yet to stand on the podium in 2025, a stark contrast to his championship-winning form.

Addressing the difficulties of the 2025 season, Martin emphasized that these setbacks would not define his career. He expressed his belief that the challenges he has faced have only strengthened his resolve and provided valuable lessons that will help him come back stronger in the future.

"I learned very little from last year [when I won the championship]. From this year, I’ve learned much more," he said. "If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that I’m going to be better, I’m going to compete better, I’m going to eat better, and I’m going to train better. That’s what this year has given me, not last year."

Martin added, "I’ve learned that I love this sport more than I could have imagined, because after a year like this, I could have waited until February to get back on the bike. But this shitty year will not define my career."

The Valencia Grand Prix weekend has not been without its challenges for Martin. On Thursday morning, he was handed a double long-lap penalty for "riding in an irresponsible manner" and causing the collision with Bezzecchi in Japan. Martin accepted the penalty, acknowledging his mistake and expressing his understanding of the stewards’ decision.

"The penalty is understandable. I made a mistake, and it’s not the same when you’re alone as when you’re surrounded by other riders at the start," he said.

Jorge Martin’s career trajectory has been marked by both remarkable success and significant adversity. After making his debut in the MotoGP World Championship in 2019, he quickly established himself as a promising talent. In 2020, he secured his first pole position and podium finish, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level.

His breakthrough season came in 2024, when he secured the MotoGP World Championship title. His consistent performances, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, made him a formidable competitor.

The 2025 season has been a setback for Martin, but his determination to overcome these challenges and return to the top of the sport is evident. His focus on the 2026 season suggests a long-term commitment to Aprilia Racing and a belief in the team’s ability to provide him with a competitive package.

As Martin prepares for the Valencia Grand Prix, he will be looking to gather valuable data and experience that will inform his preparations for the 2026 season. While the current campaign has been disappointing, Martin’s resilience and determination suggest that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

The MotoGP community will be watching closely to see how Martin performs in Valencia and how he approaches the off-season. His ability to bounce back from adversity will be a key factor in his future success, and his unwavering commitment to the sport suggests that he has the potential to achieve even greater heights in his career.