Jorge Martin will "always be grateful" for Marc Marquez call during injury struggles

Jorge Martin starts this weekend’s Spanish MotoGP at Jerez holding a close second in the world championship to Aprilia team-mate Marco Bezzecchi.

But just a few months ago, the former MotoGP champion was facing an uncertain future due to complications from a badly fractured collarbone at Motegi.

Martin was passed fit to return for the Valencia finale and post-race test but felt something was wrong.

Further checks showed the injury hadn’t healed as expected, meaning Martin would need follow-up surgery in December.

“At a time when I was unsure and had several surgeons as options, he [Marquez] advised me. He told me who he thought was the best, and I went for it. It's gone well, and I'll always be grateful for that call,” Jorge Martin told Marca.com.

That surgery meant Martin skipped the opening pre-season test at Sepang, but he soon made up for lost time.

Fourth and fifth in the Buriram season opener was followed by a double podium in Brazil, then a Sprint win and second place at COTA.

“It's been incredible. I hope to continue in this vein, maintain this consistency, and keep the good feeling from Jerez and Le Mans,” Martin said.

“There's still a long way to go in the championship and many races; it's important to start well, but then you have to maintain it.”

Aprilia’s near perfect start to the 2026 season means they lead all three world championships - riders’, teams’ and constructors’ - winning all three grands prix courtesy of Bezzecchi, and plus the Sprint win with Martin.

But the Spaniard warned this weekend could be his toughest event so far.

“Jerez is going to be a difficult track for me and for Aprilia,” said Martin, who is without a grand prix finish at Jerez in any class. “We might be surprised, but I'm going there with low expectations because it's not one of my favourite tracks.

“I love racing there, even though it hasn't been my strong suit… My goal is to fight for a top-five finish . If something better comes along, I'll embrace it. If we can fight for a podium finish, that would be amazing.”

Despite Aprilia’s dominant early form, Martin described a 2026 title challenge as “a pipe dream right now.

“It's clear we're all here to win… But where I've come from and after what I've been through... Thinking about a World Championship is a bit premature.

“Who knows? We'll see if we have the chance when there are two or three races left, we'll go all out for it.

“Right now I want to take it one day at a time and see where we get.”

Martin missed last year’s Spanish MotoGP due to injuries suffered in Qatar.