MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Jorge Martin has admitted he is “not fully fit” ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season opener at Buriram, as the Aprilia Racing rider continues his recovery from winter surgeries.
The Thai Grand Prix marks Martin’s first season opener since 2024, after injury ruled him out of the start of last year’s campaign. The 2024 world champion competed in only seven rounds during the 2025 season, while his preparation for 2026 was further disrupted by two surgical procedures over the winter.
As a result, Martin missed the Sepang test and arrived at Buriram with just two days of running on the 2026-spec Aprilia. Despite limited track time, he expressed optimism about the new campaign.
“I feel really good, really enthusiastic about the new season; really looking forward to it.
“Finally, I feel again in great form. For sure, there is plenty of room to improve with the bike.
“But I’m just enjoying the moment, I feel the bike is working well.
“We’ve been really constant and with good speed in the test. Not for sure the favourites, but I feel strong and we’re ready to go.”
However, Martin acknowledged that full race fitness has yet to return, particularly given the physical demands unique to MotoGP machinery.
“I’m not fully fit, let’s say. The injuries are recovered, but I still need some laps on the bike.
“I still need some fitness on the bike. You can train with whatever you want, but you only get that specific fitness with the MotoGP bike.
“There is no other bike like this one.”
He indicated that the opening races may serve as a rebuilding phase to regain optimal efficiency and endurance.
“I think I need a few races to get back to that fitness, also maybe to ride the bike a bit more efficiently.
“But everything is coming, and I just need to go step by step.”
Beyond physical readiness, speculation continues regarding Martin’s long-term future, with links to a potential Yamaha move in 2027. So far this winter, only Marco Bezzecchi’s new Aprilia deal has been officially confirmed.
When questioned about his plans, Martin remained focused on the present.
“I don’t know yet.
“My personal team is working on that. I really want to be present, I want to be focused on Aprilia because the bike is really good.
“We have a lot of opportunities to do really well, and the future will be the future.”
With limited pre-season mileage and race-specific conditioning still building, Martin’s performance in Buriram will provide the first indication of how quickly he can return to full competitive strength in the 2026 MotoGP season.
Baca Juga
Marc Marquez mengaku cedera bahu memaksanya memakai aero Ducati 2024 di awal MotoGP 2026 jelang seri Thailand.
Fabio Quartararo menegaskan keputusan 2027 sudah jelas dan mengaku Yamaha V4 masih tertinggal jelang MotoGP Thailand 2026.
Francesco Bagnaia menargetkan finis tiga besar setiap pekan MotoGP 2026 setelah musim lalu menyebut podium terasa seperti keajaiban.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!