Aprilia has given an indication of when Jorge Martin might return to MotoGP racing, amidst speculation that he could leave the team in 2026.
Martin, the current champion who moved to Aprilia from Ducati, is currently sidelined with 11 fractured ribs and a damaged lung sustained in a crash at the Qatar MotoGP – his first Sunday race for Aprilia, having already missed earlier races due to injuries from testing.
Speaking at the French MotoGP, Aprilia's Head of Communications, Antonio Boselli, stated that Martin is waiting for medical clearance to resume intense training. The team's aim is for him to be fit enough to race before the MotoGP summer break, which starts after the Czech MotoGP on July 20th and ends with the Austrian GP on August 15th. This timeline gives Martin six potential race weekends to recover: Silverstone, Aragon, Mugello, Assen, the Sachsenring, and Brno.
However, Martin's potential comeback is overshadowed by recent reports suggesting he has an escape clause in his contract and is planning to leave Aprilia in 2026. The report also mentioned that Martin would give Aprilia six races after his return to convince him to stay.
This news has created a stir regarding the 2026 MotoGP rider line-up, as Martin's decision is likely to trigger a series of other rider movements. Negotiations between Martin and Aprilia are expected to take place even before he gets back on his bike due to his injury and these future plans.
