Jorge Martin: “I don't regret anything about my MotoGP past”

Jorge Martin’s upward trajectory in the opening 2026 MotoGP rounds means the only remaining step is a grand prix victory.

The Aprilia rider has cast last year’s misery into the shadows with a rising score of 18, 27 and finally 32 points from the three rounds so far.

That includes his first Aprilia podiums in Brazil, then a maiden RS-GP Sprint win in Texas.

The 2024 world champion arrives for his home Spanish round just four points behind team-mate Marco Bezzecchi, who has been victorious in every GP but made mistakes in two of the Sprints.

“For sure, it’s been a nice start of the season, but I feel I’m not ready yet to win a grand prix,” Martin said at Jerez on Thursday. “Let’s see. If I have the chance, for sure I will go for it.

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“But I’m just happy to be here. One year ago, I was watching from Qatar with my phone [in hospital]. So I’m really happy already to be here and able to compete.

“My target is to compete at my 100%, and let’s see what that brings us.”

Martin’s Qatar injuries – eleven broken ribs and a collapsed lung – followed previous hand and ankle fractures in pre-season accidents.

Then came a contract dispute with Aprilia, which saw Martin eventually forced to back down from a threat to leave after just one season, before yet more injuries at Motegi.

“I don’t regret anything about my past. I just try to learn and to grow a bit more every time,” Martin reflected.

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“Last season was really tough, but also for sure it made me to be the person that I am today.

“So I’m happy about everything that happened to me because now I feel stronger and a better man.

“For sure, the victory in Austin and the [first] sprint podium in Brazil were amazing.

“Now it’s difficult to make another step because it’s just to win on Sunday.

“But I’m already happy with what happened this season, so let’s see what we can do from here.

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“The important thing is to be present and try to enjoy the moment.”

Spotting a highlights reel showing his Austin Sprint win, Martin – who fell while celebrating on the slow-down lap – quipped:

“Hopefully I crash again on Saturday because of a victory wheelie!”

Martin, who didn’t finish higher than fourth place in-between last year’s injuries, has felt much more comfortable from his first ride on the 2026 Aprilia.

“I feel the Aprilia is like ‘my bike’ now,” he said. “That was the same as I was feeling in 2024 [when he won the title at Pramac Ducati].

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“I changed a lot of small things on my style to adapt to this bike because it’s a completely different bike.

“But also Aprilia, I think with the changes they did during the winter, as soon as I tried the bike in Thailand, I was feeling good. Everything was coming easier.

“I need to try some parts that I still don’t have on my bike because I need time to get to know them. So, for sure, Monday [at the Jerez test] will be important for me to improve.

“But I feel really good with my package, and I don’t really want to touch a lot.”

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Jorge Martin: “I don’t regret anything about my MotoGP past”

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