MotoGP "rest" will help Jorge Martin move “the limit”

Jorge Martin believes MotoGP’s extended break will “absolutely help” his physical condition, even if it interrupts Aprilia’s early-season momentum.

After putting their rivals on the ropes in the opening three rounds, the month-long gap between COTA and Jerez – caused by the postponement of Qatar – offers the likes of reigning champions Ducati valuable time to regroup.

However, for Martin, still recovering from winter surgery for last season’s injuries, the timing is also beneficial.

“This [extended break] will absolutely help my condition,” Martin said at COTA.

“I always feel that when I push my body to the limit, and then rest, the next time I push the limit is farther.

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“Now I’m a bit on the limit [physically]. I need a bit of rest.”

As such, Martin had predicted he would “need to save a bit of energy” during the USGP weekend.

“It’s more about finishing, bringing the bike home. I will do my best for sure. If I have a chance to win, I will fight for it…”

Martin did exactly that, securing a debut RS-GP victory with a last-lap pass on Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia in the Sprint, aided by a smart rear tyre choice.

The Spaniard then followed it up with second place behind Marco Bezzecchi in the grand prix.

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That means Martin left for Europe after the opening flyaways trailing his title-leading team-mate by just four points.

Despite their proximity in the points table, the Aprilia duo have taken different routes to the top.

Bezzecchi has won all three grands prix but crashed in two Sprints. Martin has scored in all six races, combining consistency with a Sprint win and two grand prix podiums.

The added dynamic is that, should the pair become embroiled in a world championship battle, Bezzecchi is confirmed as staying at Aprilia, while Martin is expected to be replaced by Bagnaia.

“Last year was really tough, professionally and also personally, we had these issues with the contract and everything,” Martin reflected.

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“But the moment I make a decision; I just go for it 100%.

“When I decided to come back at Brno and stay with Aprilia for 2026, I was really clear that I wanted to fight for these colours, and that is what I’m doing.

“I think also Aprilia is fighting for me and helping me a lot to be at my 100%.

“Now I have to continue like this for the whole season. Because if I continue this progression, I can fight for great things.”

Martin has already proven he can perform under such complex circumstances, securing the 2024 MotoGP title with Pramac Ducati despite signing for Aprilia earlier in the season.

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The Spaniard is expected to move to the factory Yamaha team for the new 850cc era in 2027.

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MotoGP “rest” will help Jorge Martin move “the limit”

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