MotoGP: Aprilia’s Jorge Martin to Sit Out First Sepang Test

Aprilia’s 2026 MotoGP build-up hits an early pause as Jorge Martin will not take part in the opening pre-season test at Sepang. With teams finally rolling out their new machinery, the Spanish rider will watch from the garage, continuing his recovery after winter surgeries. The first test of the year often sets the rhythm for the season, but for Martin, patience takes priority over lap times. While the RS-GP26 begins its first proper outing in Malaysia, Aprilia’s focus remains on getting its factory rider fully fit before racing begins, even if that means missing the first important checkpoint of the winter.

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The surgeries took place in December and were linked to ongoing injury issues. One procedure involved the scaphoid bone in his left wrist, while the other focused on his right collarbone. These problems have delayed his return to full training and ruled him out of early track action.

Martin’s situation follows a difficult 2025 season that never really settled. A pre-season crash disrupted his build-up, and further incidents during the year limited his time on the bike. The lack of continuity made it hard for him to string together consistent weekends.

With Martin sidelined, Aprilia will hand testing duties to Lorenzo Savadori at Sepang. The Italian test rider knows the RS-GP well and will focus on gathering data and helping the factory move its winter programme forward.

The next target for Martin is the Buriram test later in February. Aprilia expects him to return there, giving him valuable mileage before the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season and finally getting his campaign moving.