Jorge Martin Explains Additional Surgery Ahead of 2026

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Aprilia MotoGP rider Jorge Martin has explained why he required further surgery during the winter break, after lingering effects from previous injuries left him in a severely weakened physical condition following the end of the 2025 season.

Martin returned to action at the Valencia season finale last November, appearing to put a heavily injury-hit campaign behind him. That weekend allowed him to assess his condition over a full race distance and gain early mileage on Aprilia’s 2026 prototype during the post-race test. However, the physical issues that had plagued his season were not fully resolved once the championship concluded.

In the weeks following Valencia, Martin experienced a significant deterioration in his condition, prompting further medical examinations and the decision to undergo additional surgical procedures. One operation addressed a fracture in his left hand sustained in February last year, while a separate procedure was required to treat a collarbone injury that had failed to fully heal following his crash at Motegi.

I feel much better now than I did in Valencia, and that is a good sign.
After the race in Valencia, I thought I was already recovered.

But two weeks after that race, I couldn’t even lift a bottle of water.
I started to feel a lot of pain in my hand and my collarbone while I was at home.

That’s when I realised I had to re-check my injuries.
I had to undergo surgery again because some of the bones had not healed properly.

The 2024 MotoGP world champion has been forced to miss the Sepang test this week to prioritise his recovery, dealing a setback to his hopes of starting the 2026 season in optimal condition. Despite this, Martin travelled to Malaysia to follow the test from trackside and provide updates on his rehabilitation.

There were some days of real doubt after everything I went through.
Having two more operations was very tough, but I decided it was the best option for my future.

During 2025, I don’t think I ever reached 100 percent at any point in the season.
Now I feel that chapter is closed and that I am finally on the path to reaching 100 percent again.

Martin confirmed that his second operation involved a bone graft to stabilise his collarbone, which now feels normal, although he admitted he still has some concerns regarding his wrist as the recovery process continues.

With the collarbone, I feel fantastic and the strength is already coming back.
The recovery feels much more normal now.

They took bone from my hip for the collarbone, and everything looks good.
My hand is fully healed, but I still need to improve a bit of strength and mobility.

Martin’s target is to be fully fit in time for the Buriram test on 21–22 February, one week before the season begins with the Thailand Grand Prix on 1 March. He explained that skipping Sepang was a precautionary decision taken in consultation with his doctors.

The goal is to be at the Buriram test.
We were very close to trying to be here in Sepang, but in the end the doctors advised waiting.

I will have another medical check on Monday, and if everything is fine, I will start riding more bikes in Spain before travelling to Thailand.

The Thailand test is the target, so I can give feedback on the new Aprilia.
Otherwise, we risk repeating what happened last season.

Jorge Martin’s decision to undergo additional surgery underlines a long-term approach to his recovery, prioritising full physical readiness over short-term testing mileage. With Buriram now the key benchmark before the 2026 season begins, Martin’s condition will be central to Aprilia’s ability to start the new campaign on a more stable footing.