Jorge Martin Dampens Valencia Hopes: 'Results Make No Sense' – 2026 Prep Takes Center Stage?

MotoGP, Sportrik Media – Jorge Martin of Aprilia Racing has clarified that setting any results expectations for his MotoGP return at this weekend's Valencia Grand Prix is "pointless," instead viewing it as a launchpad for his 2026 preparations. The 2024 world champion has been sidelined by a shoulder injury from a crash with teammate Marco Bezzecchi at the Japanese GP sprint—his fourth major setback in a tumultuous year limiting him to just six of the 21 grands prix contested. His comeback attempt hinges on passing MotoGP medical checks at Circuit Ricardo Tormo on Thursday, prioritizing data collection over competitive outcomes.

Martin, enduring a grueling season of injuries, expressed eagerness to rejoin the team while applauding Aprilia's progress in his absence. "I can’t wait to be back with the team," he said. "I’m really happy with the way the team is working, and I’d like to congratulate Aprilia and Marco on the results they’ve achieved. My goal now is to start preparing in the best possible way for next season; now, it doesn’t make sense to talk about results the important thing is to put in the laps and gather information. I want to grow together with the team so that we’re ready for 2026." This mindset highlights Martin's maturity, shifting from short-term pressures to long-term foundations, particularly after Aprilia secured two grand prix wins without him: Raul Fernandez in Australia and Bezzecchi's dominant Portuguese triumph last weekend.

A closer examination reveals how Martin's absence has propelled Aprilia to second in the 2025 manufacturers' standings, trailing only Ducati Corse, fueled by Marco Bezzecchi's trajectory toward third in the riders' championship the first such feat for an Aprilia rider in MotoGP history. Yet, Martin's return carries hurdles, including an impending FIM stewards' hearing for the Japan incident, postponed due to his immediate hospitalization. 

A potential penalty, such as a long-lap penalty, may influence his race dynamics, though his primary aim remains adapting to the Aprilia RS-GP25 for vital telemetry insights ahead of 2026. In contrast to Raul Fernandez, who capably stepped up, Martin must rebuild rhythm, especially with the shoulder issue impacting grip stability and confidence on Valencia's fast corners.

Meanwhile, Bezzecchi underscored Valencia's significance as a springboard into the winter break. "I’m really happy to be going to Valencia," he noted. "It will be important to try to have a good weekend and finish the season in the best possible way. Also, it’s been more than a year since we last raced in Valencia, so it’ll be nice to go back there. We’ll try to do a good job and keep going in this direction." These remarks illustrate team synergy under CEO Massimo Rivola, where Martin's involvement could enrich development data, sans podium demands. Broadly, this aligns with Aprilia's ambition to challenge Ducati more fiercely in 2026, positioning Martin as a key pillar alongside Bezzecchi.

In summary, the Valencia weekend of November 14-16, 2025, offers Martin a pressure-free platform to build momentum, ensuring Aprilia enters the new era on solid ground. The team's growth outlook is promising, particularly if Martin channels his injury experiences into mental fortitude. For the latest updates, visit Sportrik.com.