Jorge Martin is back in Valencia! For the first time since the Japanese Grand Prix, the "Martinator" is back in the saddle to get back on the tarmac before the start of the 2026 season. He's said it before and repeated it: if he's returning for the final round of the world championship, it's to rack up the miles, nothing more. He won't be aiming for a top performance, but, in the end, he was quite fast for this warm-up. Torn between passion and reason, his heart is in conflict.
It must be difficult for a champion of Jorge Martin's caliber to hold back, to not be able to fully exploit his motorcycle. « On one hand, it's very positive because it means I've recovered, not 100%, but very well in such a short time.On the other hand, I want more and that's a problem because yesterday I saw the doctors who told me that my body is exhausted this year and that I have to be very careful not to fall. This is very important because it could jeopardize my career.I thought we'd reach this level by Sunday and we've already reached it, now it's time to keep riding and to feel increasingly comfortable for Tuesday's test » he asserted for Motosan.
Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Riding in MotoGP remains very risky, as there is always the risk of being hit.However, unlike at the Qatar Grand Prix, he is determined not to push himself. « I will probably have to manage my effort; it will be very difficult to finish both the sprint and the raceThe important thing is to keep doing laps. I did 43, whereas yesterday, I was only thinking about the 107% needed to qualify for SundayAnd today, I'm only one second behind the leader, much better than expected. If I don't finish the sprint or the race, it won't be a problem; on the contrary, what I want to avoid is getting into trouble. Even if I can start without anyone behind me, that's better, to avoid any risks. I want to stay calm, do my job, and prepare for Tuesday. After what happened in Qatar, I learned my lesson.If I have to stop, I will stop, no problem. he continued.
Photo: Michelin Motorsport
In any case, he is happy to be at the handlebars of such a high-performing motorcycle which should normally be in contention for the win this weekend in the hands of Bezzecchi. "Given that we are at the end of the season and I haven't been able to compete in many Grands Prix, the progress of the Aprilia since my first race is impressive. Not since that first time in Barcelona, because it was a completely different motorcycle, but since Qatar, my real first experience, up to today.The change is huge, and I'm very happy to be on this motorcycle now. which is much better suited to my driving style » he concluded.
Do you think Jorge Martin will be able to remain calm? Tell us in the comments!
Results of the Practice at the 2025 Valencian Community Grand Prix:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
