Jorge MartinHe added the final touch to his 2024 season by reaching the podium at the MotoGP season-ending event in Barcelona – and secured the world championship.
From that point until the Czech Republic GP, over eight months went by without Martin crossing a checkered flag. In this period, he transitioned from Pramac to Aprilia and endured three severe injuries that prevented him from finishing a race for 245 days.
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MotoGP rider Martin states that Aprilia "feels like home" even amid the ongoing contract issuesIt has been a challenging journey and a process that put the Spanish rider through a lot, who, in the midst of the frustration of being unable to compete, took a courageous step to try to depart from Aprilia sooner.
Having fully recovered both physically and mentally, the Spanish athlete enjoyed his first genuine happiness in eight months by finishing the Brno weekend without any issues.
With the sense of calm that arises from returning and feeling 'competitive' under the current conditions, Martin is utilizing the summer break to exercise at the gym, cycle, and complete motorcycle training to prepare for the last 10 races of the season.
It was a highly tense weekend due to the extreme unpredictability - so many emotions," said the Spaniard after the Czech Republic GP. "Before the race, I cried a lot, with my family, in the motorhome, just as I was putting on my leather suit, because everything I've been through has been extremely challenging.
On the Thursday in Brno, Martin provided all the answers requested and attempted to conclude the matter at that moment. The tension in the garage gradually lessened as the days passed, but the current objective is "to build a team, a family, together with Aprilia."
"Now, we must work together to establish trust. I am aware that they have great faith in me, and I believe in them as well as in the project now. Therefore, I am very confident that there is tremendous potential," he explained.
Massimo Rivola, the head of Aprilia, is one of many who think Martin will only require two or three races to be competing for the podium, and that he still has enough time to secure a win in 2025.
Martin, on his part, does not wish to hurry and initially intends to reduce the difference from his teammate,Marco Bezzecchi, who has established themselves as Aprilia's standard.
Marco is riding exceptionally well and is leading the pack. I just need to close the gap with him, and then I'll be in the fight for wins. So I believe I made the correct choice," Martin said. "We'll never be certain, but I'm satisfied with my current position. I know the bike is highly competitive, and I am too, both inside and out. The key point is that I still feel I have energy left and that I can reach the top.
In Brno, Martin discovered a significantly better bicycle than the one in Qatar, where he had come back in April and ended up getting hurt once more.
"I modified something that allowed me to ride more smoothly and matched my style better. Now, it's just minor adjustments that make riding simpler and improve my consistency," he shared.
I might have been three or four tenths [per lap] behind the pace to be in contention for the win. However, there are still 10 races left, and there will be tracks where I can really shine. On other circuits, I may face challenges. But the key is to keep progressing and developing throughout the season.
I don't want to focus on outcomes. However, I do have three or four races scheduled on the calendar. At this moment, the objective is clear - I believe we can compete for at least one podium finish. The aim is to conclude the year with a podium and be prepared for 2026.