The year 2025 will undoubtedly remain the most nightmarish of Jorge Martin's career. The reigning world champion, plagued by a series of injuries and relapses, missed 14 races this season — a brutal collapse for someone who, just a year ago, was the spearhead of Ducati.
Recruited by Aprilia after the episode Marquez-Ducati which had caused quite a stir Martin It was supposed to symbolize revenge. Instead, he experienced a medical and psychological descent into hell.
It all started during preseason testing in Sepang, Malaysia, when Martin He fractured his collarbone and wrist. Since then, his body hasn't cooperated. Every attempt to return has turned into a new ordeal.
He had regained speed and confidence before crashing again in Japan, plunging him back into recovery. A painful repetition that now haunts those around him.
« He seems motivated and in great shape " explained Dr. Angel Charte to Diario AS. " My impression? Without having seen any tests, it's that he's doing much better.But I have my doubts. »
According to the Catalan doctor, a premature return could be risky, and many in the paddock believe that it would be best to wait until 2026 for a return to 100%.
The Spanish driver is expected to make his return in Valencia, the venue for the 2025 final — a date that is more symbolic than sporting.
He chose to skip the Portuguese Grand Prix, the very place where in 2021 he had suffered a horrific accident that almost ended his career.
If he starts in Valencia, even a simple top 15 would allow him to extend an impressive statistic: five consecutive seasons without ever finishing a race outside the points.
A small detail, certainly, but one that reveals the consistency and level of expectation that have always defined us. Martin.
Aprilia's confidence remains intact: Jorge Martin is a driver of pure talent, and we want to build around him. »
When Massimo rivola, boss of Aprilia Racing, signed Martin At the end of 2024, many raised their eyebrows. Ducati had just preferred him Marc Marquez For the factory team in 2025, a decision perceived as a betrayal by the Spaniard.
« I don't understand why Ducati let him go. " admits today Rivola. " But that was our chance. Jorge is a pure talent of a driver, and we want to build around him. »
Despite his absence, Aprilia has progressed. The RS-GP has established itself as a formidable weapon on fast circuits, confirming the huge steps forward made in aerodynamics and traction.
And if 2025 was a lost year for MartinShe could well be preparing for the 2026 comeback.
« Aprilia and Jorge now understand each other perfectly " commented an engineer from the team. Their bond will be their greatest strength when he returns »
Observers, like Neil Hodgson, see 2026 as a crucial year. The former Superbike world champion believes that if Aprilia misses his start to the season. Martin might be looking for a way out.
But he adds a caveat: If they confirm their progress, Jorge will finally have the machine to compete on equal terms with Ducati. And then, he will become dangerous again »
From the absolute domination of 2024 to the phantom season of 2025, George Martin He experienced everything in twelve months: glory, pain, frustration, and forced patience.
Yet, nothing has shaken his champion's mentality. He observes, he learns, he prepares his comeback.
And if everything goes as planned, 2026 could well be his year of rebirth – that of a man who will have survived the fall, to better reconquer his throne.
Because a true champion is not measured by the number of races contested, but by how he comes back after the storm.
