Jorge Martin once again demonstrated his extraordinary courage by securing 7th place in Practice on Friday evening in Qatar. Still hampered by the fracture sustained during the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island and forced to retire a week earlier in Malaysia , the 2024 world champion delivered a truly remarkable performance on the Losail circuit. Fueled by adrenaline, the Aprilia rider managed to overcome the agonizing pain to secure a direct ticket to Q2.
Adrenaline as a shield against pain for Jorge Martin in Qatar
Reflecting on his session and the striking difference in sensations compared to the Malaysian weekend, the Madrid native didn't hide the ordeal he endured under his helmet. " I have so much adrenaline that even though the pain is excruciating, I don't care and I keep going . Honestly, I wish I'd felt like this from Sepang onwards, because it would have been completely different. Then, to be honest, Sunday will be an unknown, because I haven't done that many laps yet. But today, I felt much better than in Malaysia . If I had felt like this a week ago, I probably would have tried to race. But it was still too soon after my injury. That's how it went ," he told GPOne.
Practice is underway! 🚥 #QatarGP 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/n8mfnUU72M
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 6, 2026
A renewed confidence as the laps progressed, despite Jorge Martin's lack of strength
Hampered by significant muscle weakness in his forearm and wrist, the Spanish rider managed to build momentum throughout the day, setting a very respectable lap time. “It’s clear that after the crash in Australia, I lost a lot of confidence. This morning, even though my hand wasn’t too bad, I was missing that little something extra to really nail the corners. Then, little by little, lap after lap, I felt better and better. In the afternoon, I improved even more. The bike is really performing well here, and I think I even set my best time in Qatar. So, I’d say it’s not bad. ”
Time trial management and the threat of unrest loom over Qatar
Analyzing the physical demands of a flying lap compared to managing a long stint in a race, the Aprilia rider remains clear-headed about the expected physical repercussions for the rest of the weekend. “During time trials, the adrenaline is so intense that even if I'm in a lot of pain, I don't pay attention and I keep pushing . And that's a positive point. In the race, on the other hand, I don't feel as much pain. Of course, it limits my performance a bit, especially in the extreme positions on the bike, but by slowing down a little, I think that in the race, perhaps with a bit more painkillers, I'll be able to manage. The biggest problem right now is the time trial and my strength: this morning, I barely even had the strength to brake . But tomorrow, my wrist might be swollen like a tennis ball! Let's try to be optimistic; I'm receiving all the necessary treatments and I should be even better tomorrow.”
Summary of key issues and events:
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A heroic qualitative feat: Jorge Martin snatches 7th place in Practice and direct access to Q2 in Qatar on his Aprilia, despite a fracture that has not yet healed.
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The wall of physical strength: Suffering from a severe loss of muscle power during heavy braking, the Spaniard had to interrupt his series of laps to let his wrist rest.
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Uncertainty for Sunday's race: Although aided by adrenaline during time attacks, the driver is apprehensive about managing pain and inflammation over the full distance of the Grand Prix.
Do you think Jorge Martin will be able to physically last until the checkered flag on Sunday in Qatar? Let us know in the comments!
Results of the MotoGP Practice session at the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix:
Ranking credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
