Jorge Martin believes MotoGP\u2019s extended break will \u201cabsolutely help\u201d his physical condition, even if it interrupts Aprilia\u2019s early-season momentum.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, for Martin, still recovering from winter surgery for last season’s injuries, the timing is also beneficial.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis [extended break] will absolutely help my condition,\u201d Martin<\/a> said at COTA.<\/p>\n \u201cI always feel that when I push my body to the limit, and then rest, the next time I push the limit is farther.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cNow I’m a bit on the limit [physically]. I need a bit of rest.\u201d<\/p>\n As such, Martin had predicted he would \u201cneed to save a bit of energy\u201d during the USGP weekend.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’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…\u201d<\/p>\n Martin did exactly that, securing a debut RS-GP victory with a last-lap pass on Ducati\u2019s Pecco Bagnaia in the Sprint, aided by a smart rear tyre choice.<\/p>\n The Spaniard then followed it up with second place behind Marco Bezzecchi in the grand prix.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n That means Martin left for Europe after the opening flyaways trailing his title-leading team-mate by just four points.<\/p>\n Despite their proximity in the points table, the Aprilia duo have taken different routes to the top.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cLast year was really tough, professionally and also personally, we had these issues with the contract and everything,\u201d Martin reflected.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cBut the moment I make a decision; I just go for it 100%.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI think also Aprilia is fighting for me and helping me a lot to be at my 100%.<\/p>\n \u201cNow I have to continue like this for the whole season. Because if I continue this progression, I can fight for great things.\u201d<\/p>\n Martin has already proven he can perform under such complex circumstances, securing the 2024 MotoGP <\/a>title with Pramac Ducati despite signing for Aprilia earlier in the season.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n