Jorge Martin is eagerly counting down the days until his return to action after a turbulent preseason that has disrupted his early progress with Aprilia Racing, forcing him to miss the opening rounds of the 2025 season. Just last week, ahead of the YPF Energía Grand Prix of Argentina, the #1 announced that he would also sit out the upcoming Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas. However, the outlook appears more promising for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix, scheduled for April 11–13.

In his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Martin expressed optimism about making his return in Lusail: "I expect to be in Qatar, but only if it doesn't pose any risks. I will make a visit after Austin, I think." Still, the Spaniard understands that "these are the timelines, and it would be a mistake to rush them" as doing so "would risk making everything take even longer."

The Comeback and betting on Aprilia

Martin remains patient and confident, sending a clear message: "With Aprilia, I will come back stronger." In the interview, he also reflected on his early career, past struggles with injuries, and the pivotal moment when "Ducati’s decision" was finalized in June 2024 at Mugello. "That's life. You have to adapt and learn. I focused on what I had to do: win the World Championship. I hold no grudges against anyone. In the end, I like challenges, and there is no bigger challenge than trying to win again with a bike that has never won the Championship. So I’m happy."

Personal goals and Marc Marquez

Watching the season’s opening Grand Prix races from home has been understandably frustrating for Martin. In his absence, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) has asserted his dominance, though the reigning Champion isn’t surprised: "Marc winning is not something anyone couldn’t have expected..."

As for his immediate goals, they are clear: "Compared to the others, I’m at least 5,000km behind. So, I need to return as soon as possible and get familiar with the bike." However, he remains focused on a steady comeback, maintaining a positive outlook: "Everything happens for a reason. This will make us come back stronger than before."

Confirmation from Martin

In line with what he expressed in his La Gazzetta dello Sport interview, Martin himself confirmed his goal—continuing with a cautious approach—of returning to action at the next Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar in a video message posted on his social media in which he shared his optimism about the progress he's made during his recovery: "It's has been a really difficult time, but now I'm starting to see the light." The reigning World Champion would conclude his video with his plan: "I won't be in Austin, the plan is to be in Qatar, but nothing is certain, so I don't know yet. I'm really looking forward to rejoining my team, Aprilia, and to ride this incredible bike,"

It’s been a brutal start to his title defence—missing pre-season testing and the first three rounds has left him playing catch-up. Add to that the challenge of adapting to the Aprilia, and it’s hard to imagine a tougher debut with the team. But once he’s back to full strength, we can’t wait to see what he can do with the RS-GP when he's back fit and firing!