- Two further operations on his left scaphoid bone and right collarbone
- Participation in the Sepang test 2026 from February 3 to 5 considered highly unlikely
- Lorenzo Savadori to replace Martin again
After a MotoGP season 2025 already marked by setbacks, preparations for 2026 are proving to be another test of patience for Jorge Martin. The 2024 MotoGP world champion has had to undergo further surgery in recent weeks and now looks set to miss the important start of winter testing in Malaysia.
Two further operations after incomplete recovery
According to several media reports, Jorge Martin has decided to undergo two further operations. The first procedure involved the scaphoid bone in his left hand, which had already been injured in early 2025 during a crash at the winter tests in Sepang. The second operation was performed on his right collarbone, which Martin injured at the end of September in a crash at the start of the Japanese Grand Prix sprint race.
Both injuries had already been treated surgically last year. However, the healing process was not consistent enough, so the Spaniard decided to undergo corrective surgery after further medical examinations. Although Martin was back on the Aprilia Racing RS-GP in the meantime, he did not feel physically fit enough.
Sepang test 2026 in serious jeopardy
Rehabilitation is currently progressing satisfactorily, but apparently not fast enough. As things stand, it is extremely unlikely that he will be able to take part in the three-day Sepang test from February 3 to 5, 2026. Neither Aprilia nor Martin himself have yet commented publicly on the reports. At the team presentation, both sides were noticeably tight-lipped about his actual state of health.
If Martin is indeed absent, it would be a major setback. After several serious injuries, he only saw limited action in 2025 and consequently accumulated few race and test kilometers. Another absence at the first official winter test would further increase the gap in experience that already exists.
Savadori again scheduled as replacement
Aprilia is already prepared for the worst-case scenario. Test rider Lorenzo Savadori is set to replace Martin in Sepang, as he did last season. At that time, the Italian stepped in for a total of 13 Grands Prix and took over most of the development work.
Martin himself could still travel to Malaysia and watch the test from the pits. This would at least give him the opportunity to gather his first impressions of the new RS-GP26 and follow the feedback from Savadori and teammate Marco Bezzecchi.
Hopes remain for Buriram test
The focus is now on the second and final official winter test on February 21 and 22 at the Buriram International Circuit. As things stand, Martin’s return there is not in jeopardy. The 2026 season opener will also be held at the same track on March 1.
However, this is not ideal preparation. Last year, Martin missed almost the entire winter testing phase after an early injury in Sepang. He underwent a total of four operations in 2025 and only finished four of the 22 races. If the current absence is confirmed, the 2026 season will also get off to a difficult start for the Aprilia rider.
What does this mean for me as a MotoGP fan?
For MotoGP fans, the current situation means one thing above all: the sporting balance of power at the start of the 2026 season could be distorted. If Jorge Martin does indeed miss the Sepang test, he will miss a crucial phase of fine-tuning with the Aprilia RS-GP26. This could mean that he will not be able to perform at his full potential in the first few races or will have to take a more conservative approach. For fans, this could mean fewer direct battles at the top and a change in the distribution of roles in the early part of the MotoGP season. At the same time, other riders and manufacturers will come more into focus, while Martin’s start to the season could develop into a gradual re-entry rather than a direct attack on the top positions.
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