Jorge Martin’s Return to MotoGP at Valencia
World champion Jorge Martin is set to make his return to the MotoGP track this weekend as he travels to Valencia for the season finale. The Aprilia rider has been sidelined since suffering a collarbone injury in a first-lap crash at the Japanese Grand Prix in September. This latest setback adds to a series of challenges that have marked his first season with the factory Aprilia team.
According to a brief statement from Aprilia, Martin will be heading to Valencia with the goal of returning to racing during the event. The statement reads: “Jorge Martin will travel to Valencia for the Valencian Grand Prix. He will still need to undergo evaluation by the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Medical Team in order to receive clearance to race.”
With Martin out of action, Lorenzo Savadori has filled in for him in recent races. Savadori has already said goodbye to many in the paddock following last weekend’s race in Portugal, suggesting that the medical evaluation for Martin may be more of a formality than a major hurdle.
If Martin does manage to compete in Spain, it will mark only the eighth time that Aprilia has fielded its nominated 2025 rider lineup in 22 races. While Martin has spent much of the year on the sidelines, Marco Bezzecchi has remained consistent, not missing a single race this season. The Italian rider secured his second grand prix win of the season in Portugal.
Another rider expected to return to competition in Valencia is Maverick Vinales. The Tech3 KTM rider suffered an injury at the mid-season German Grand Prix and, after an initial return, chose to take more time to recover. He made his comeback at last month’s Indonesian Grand Prix but had initially planned to return earlier in Portugal before deciding to give his injury more time to heal ahead of the Valencia event.
The Valencia GP is a crucial weekend for several reasons. It serves as the final race of the season and is followed by a test session on Tuesday, giving riders their first opportunity to try out their 2026 machinery. However, reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez will not be participating in either the race or the test. He continues his recovery from a right shoulder injury sustained in a crash with Marco Bezzecchi in Indonesia.
Marquez is expected to attend the Valencia GP as a spectator and will also be present for the championship presentation on Sunday night following the race.
Key Highlights from Recent Races
Marco Bezzecchi’s victory in the Portuguese GP was a standout moment, as he emerged victorious in a three-way battle that showcased his skill and determination. His win highlighted the competitive nature of the current MotoGP season.
Meanwhile, Pol Espargaro voiced his frustration after a crash involving Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli during the Portuguese GP. Espargaro criticized Morbidelli for being “too aggressive” in the incident, emphasizing the importance of safety and sportsmanship on the track.
