Valencian Grand Prix: Jorge Martin Prioritizes Safety, Cites Crash Risk as "Disaster"

Valencia, Spain – Jorge Martin, the factory Aprilia rider, acknowledged the high stakes of the Valencian Grand Prix, emphasizing that crashing during the weekend’s events would be a “disaster” given his current physical condition. The Spaniard is making his return to the track following an accident at the Japanese Grand Prix in September, and his primary focus is to regain rhythm and avoid further injury ahead of Tuesday’s crucial test at Valencia.

Martin’s return comes at the tail end of a season that has seen mixed fortunes for the Aprilia team. Aprilia Racing, the factory team, has struggled to consistently challenge Ducati and KTM, the dominant forces in the 2024 MotoGP season. The team’s riders, including Martin, have faced challenges in extracting maximum performance from the RS-GP bike, often hampered by setup difficulties and tire management issues.

The Valencian Grand Prix marks the final race of the 2024 season, and teams are already looking ahead to the 2026 season. The post-race test on Tuesday is particularly significant as it provides teams with an opportunity to evaluate new components and strategies for the upcoming year. For Martin, this test represents a critical opportunity to assess his fitness and acclimatize to the bike without the pressure of immediate race results.

Martin’s cautious approach to the weekend was evident from Friday’s practice sessions. Despite feeling "super good" on the bike, he consciously avoided pushing for a flying lap on fresh tires during the final minutes of practice, a decision that inevitably meant he would not advance directly to Q2. This strategic choice reflected his commitment to prioritizing safety and long-term preparation over immediate gains.

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"Not pushing was the most difficult part, because I actually felt super good today on the bike," Martin said. "It’s a different philosophy this weekend, trying to take it as a test is not easy, because when you are with other riders and you have all the times on the screen, you want to push more."

Martin’s perspective underscores the mental challenge faced by racers in balancing competitive instincts with the need for caution, especially when recovering from injury. His decision to treat the race weekend as an extended test session highlights his focus on the bigger picture: ensuring he is fully prepared for the upcoming season.

The physical toll of MotoGP racing is considerable, and Martin’s recent injury has added to the challenges. The series of high-speed crashes and demanding physical conditions often lead to injuries, requiring riders to manage pain and recovery while maintaining peak performance. Martin’s acknowledgment that his body may not withstand another injury is a candid admission of the physical risks inherent in the sport.

"It’s really important to understand that my condition is bad and it’s really important to not crash. So this is the main thing of the weekend, I’m getting ready for the test, that will be the important day for us," Martin explained. "I don’t know, maybe I’m 60% from my full potential, or 70%. The thing is that if I crash, then it will be a really big problem for the future."

Medical experts have advised Martin to adopt a conservative approach, emphasizing the need for smooth and controlled riding to minimize the risk of further injury. This advice has shaped his strategy for the weekend, focusing on gradual improvement and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Despite his limitations, Martin’s performance on Friday was relatively competitive, finishing just over a second off the pace. However, in the tightly contested MotoGP field, this placed him near the bottom of the standings, ahead of only Somkiat Chantra and Nicolo Bulega. The narrow margins separating riders in MotoGP highlight the importance of every fraction of a second and the intense competition at every level.

Somkiat Chantra, riding for IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia, has had a challenging season, struggling to find consistency and adapt to the demands of the MotoGP class. Nicolo Bulega, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the premier class, making the transition from Moto2. Both riders, like Martin, are using the Valencian Grand Prix as an opportunity to gain valuable experience and prepare for future challenges.

Martin emphasized the importance of the weekend for familiarizing himself with the bike and track conditions ahead of Tuesday’s test. "I think the best for me and for my future and for my targets is to be here and ride smoothly. This is the most important thing. For sure, if I push…and I crash, then it’s really a disaster," he said.

Martin’s focus is not on competing directly with other riders but on assessing his own progress and identifying areas for improvement. This introspective approach reflects his long-term vision and commitment to building a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

"So that’s why I need to be calm, know my target. I’m not comparing myself to any of the other guys. I’m just looking at my side of the box, what we are improving, what we need to be better, and that’s it," Martin added.

The post-race test on Tuesday holds particular significance for Martin and the Aprilia team. It provides an opportunity to evaluate new components, refine the bike’s setup, and gather data that will inform their development efforts for the 2026 season. Martin’s performance during this test will be closely scrutinized, as it will provide an indication of his fitness and readiness for the challenges ahead.

"Tuesday is even more important than to be here today. So just going through the weekend in the safest [way]… I cannot promise that I won’t crash because this is impossible, but for sure I don’t take any risk to put me in that situation," Martin concluded.

The Valencian Grand Prix is not just the final race of the season; it is also a crucial stepping stone towards the future. For Jorge Martin, it represents an opportunity to overcome adversity, regain his confidence, and lay the groundwork for a successful 2026 season. His cautious approach and unwavering focus on safety reflect a mature understanding of the risks and rewards of MotoGP racing.