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Jorge Martin Reflects on Recovery with Guidance from Marc Marquez
Jorge Martin, the reigning MotoGP champion, has credited insights from fellow competitor Marc Marquez as instrumental in his approach to recuperating from injury. After a serious crash during training that sidelined him for the start of the 2025 season, Martin has emphasized the importance of patience in his recovery journey.
Martin, who missed significant pre-season testing due to an earlier accident in Sepang, faced additional challenges following a “nasty” crash that kept him out of the first three races of the current season. With his anticipated return to competition in Qatar approaching, he shared his perspective in an exclusive interview with Autosport, highlighting Marquez’s mentorship.
“Marc and other riders, like Pecco [Bagnaia], advised me to take my time and avoid rushing back,” Martin noted. “That was invaluable advice. Given what Marc has gone through with injuries over the years, his words carry a lot of significance.”
Marquez has a history of serious injuries, notably a crash at Jerez in 2020 that significantly impacted his career. His experience taught him the consequences of making a premature return to racing, something he shared with Martin.
“His concern felt genuine,” Martin said. “It’s heartening when your rivals show that they care for your well-being, indicating that they want to compete against you at your best. It’s a reminder of the empathy that exists among us in this sport.”
In light of his injury recovery, Martin has articulated a cautious strategy for his return. With championship aspirations now out of reach, he recognizes the importance of prioritizing his recovery over immediate performance. “I’m approaching this with enthusiasm, but I won’t be under pressure to win straight away,” he explained. “Initially, I need to focus on acclimatizing myself to the bike and the competition.”
It’s worth noting that the Aprilia motorcycle for 2025 hasn’t yet demonstrated top-tier competitiveness, as neither the factory nor Trackhouse teams have achieved podium finishes this season, with Ai Ogura’s fourth place being the closest result.
“Upon my return, I know I won’t be at 100%. With a new bike under these circumstances, my primary goal is to log as many laps as possible,” Martin added. “My priority is to ensure that I can ride effectively and safely.”
Martin is also setting clear objectives for his performance, recognizing the need for specific targets as he prepares for the Qatar race. “I am someone who thrives on goals, and I need to define what my target will be for the upcoming race,” he stated.
Additionally, Martin expressed his intention to revisit the Lleida circuit, where his training accident occurred on a Supermoto bike earlier in the year. “I want to confront that track again. I understand my mistakes, and I am determined not to repeat them,” he affirmed.
This recent accident, he admitted, has been one of the most challenging experiences of his racing career. “While the Portimao incident from 2023 is still vivid in my memory, this recent crash was even more severe. I sustained complex fractures—three in my hand, four in my foot, and an unclear issue with a rib,” he detailed.
“Such experiences serve as valuable lessons, particularly mentally, as they remind you that hardships eventually pass and that brighter days will come again,” Martin reflected.
Source
www.autosport.com