Two podium finishes in one weekend for Martín: "For the past 5 months, I've been working like crazy."

At Aprilia, they didn't hide it before the start of the 2026 campaign. Recruited for a hefty sum in 2024 and world champion the same year, Jorge Martín was going to have to show his true colors, after having been particularly plagued by injuries in 2025. When he was forced to miss the first tests of the year at Sepang, as a result of two operations aimed at finishing the consolidation of his broken bones last year, there was legitimate cause for concern about the Madrilenian's upcoming season.

Four races and two Grands Prix later, Martín returned to the podium for the first time since the 2024 Solidarity Grand Prix (where he won the world title), and sits second in the world championship standings, behind his teammate Marco Bezzecchi. A just reward for a difficult journey that demanded patience and courage from the Spaniard. Speaking to Canal+, he made no secret of the fact that these two podium finishes from the Brazilian weekend meant a great deal and were hard-won.

“Saturday was my first time on the podium in a long time, I was very happy. And I’m very happy again now. We’re working very well; for the last five months I’ve been working like crazy to get back to my best level. There’s still a long way to go. The season is off to a good start. Those 23 laps were really difficult; I didn’t quite understand why we switched to 23 laps (the race was originally scheduled for 31 laps but was shortened due to the track conditions – Ed.).”

Starting from fifth position, number 89 lost time during his climb through the field, battling first with Pedro Acosta, then with the Ducatis of Marc Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio. Once free of these bottlenecks, he established a gap over Bezzecchi, and a few minor errors, mainly due to his physical condition and understanding of the bike, sealed the victory for the new championship leader.

“At times it was tough, especially at turn 11 where the asphalt was coming loose. I managed to overtake Márquez and Diggia in one go, it was great. They went wide, I started very relaxed, very easygoing to maintain a good pace. Maybe I could have stayed with Marco, but I was starting 5th. I overtook quite quickly on the straight, then Pedro (Acosta) passed me, I lost time in the pack, but I still wasn't that far behind Bezzecchi. I'm not yet at 100% with the bike, I'm missing a few things in terms of stability or on long runs. But a big step has already been taken, thanks to Aprilia for their help.”

It remains to be seen whether Jorge Martín will be able to continue his excellent run this weekend at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

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