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Jorge Martin says he’s improved since his title-winning season after Brazil GP podium

Originally posted on HITC | By Tyler Rowlinson | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 3:32 PM ET

Jorge Martin stepped back onto the MotoGP podium for the first time since 2024, finishing third in the Sprint race in Goiania.

Martin came in behind Marc Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, marking his first top-three finish since he won the title at Valencia in 2024 with Pramac.

The following year was rough for Martin, who finished 21st after missing 15 races due to injuries.

He’s been slowly working his way back to full fitness, and with the RS-GP now a real contender, he’s starting to look like a threat again. Marco Melandri saw Brazil as a key test for Martin against Marco Bezzecchi, and Martin got the better of him in that Sprint.

Pushing through a rough patch

Injury hit Jorge Martin hard during his Pramac days. He spent most of 2025 on the sidelines after crashing out of multiple races. Even though he only managed two race finishes that year – both outside the points – his team still backed him heading into 2026.

The decision paid off early as he took two wins before Aprilia stepped in mid-season to replace an injured Maverick Vinales. That move eventually led him to a permanent seat with Aprilia from 2027 onwards.

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Jorge Martin claims he’s ‘same or better’ than 2024 after first Aprilia podium

Martin took advantage of a slip-up from Bezzecchi to move into third, holding that spot to secure his first podium with Aprilia. It’s been a tough road back after a disastrous 2025 season.

Speaking to Motorsport Espana after the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint, Martin was upbeat about both the result and how he felt physically. He even suggested that he’s riding better now than during his championship-winning campaign.

“This podium finish feels really good after everything I’ve been through. I’ve learned a lot from last year. It’s like going from 2024 to 2026. Every time I go out on the track, I understand more what I need.

“I’m very, very happy. It’s been a tough road; a few months ago, I couldn’t eat, my girlfriend was feeding me. My goal was to finish, and the result was secondary. I’m just focusing on how I feel. There’s still a lot of work to do to catch the Ducatis.

Brazilian Grand Prix podium highlights missed potential for Jorge Martin at Aprilia

Martin’s return to the podium was a lift for both him and Aprilia, but there are still questions about whether their time together ever reached its full potential.

Neil Hodgson pointed out that Aprilia never really got to see Martin at his best. Since joining in 2025, injuries and crashes have kept him from showing the form that made him a champion.

There were also moments when Martin looked ready to leave. At one point, he tried to break his contract due to frustration with the project, but ended up staying when a move to Honda fell through. Now, as he gets back into shape, there’s talk that he may already be on his way out of Aprilia.

Reports suggest Martin is set to join Yamaha in 2027, with Francesco Bagnaia expected to fill his seat alongside Bezzecchi next year.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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