The final test before the start of the MotoGP season is coming up—Jorge Martin and Fabio Quartararo report back with positive news after their injuries.
The 2026 MotoGP season opener, which takes place in Thailand from February 27 to March 1, is fast approaching. Before that, the final official test with all teams will take place on February 21 and 22 at the Buriram circuit. Now there is news from two riders.
Jorge Martin underwent surgery on his left wrist and right collarbone in January. As a result, the Aprilia rider did not take part in the three-day test in Malaysia. Nevertheless, he was present in Sepang and also appeared at the MotoGP presentation in Kuala Lumpur.
Martin’s goal is to return fully fit this time and finally put his injury-plagued 2025 behind him. On Monday this week, the Spaniard underwent a final examination by his doctors at the Hospital Ruber Internacional in Madrid.
The examinations were positive, according to his Aprilia team. Martin will therefore travel to Thailand next week to take part in the two days of testing. Once he arrives at the track, he will still need clearance from the FIM doctors.
Fabio Quartararo is also planning to take part in the final test before the start of the season. After completing two shakedown days in Sepang, he crashed in a fast corner on the first official test day. He then continued riding his second bike, but a problem arose with the new V4 engine. As a result, Yamaha had to take a day’s break. Once the cause was found, testing was able to continue on the last day.
A message from Fabio Quartararo
Hoping to see you soon on track, Diablo! ❤️MotoGPLaunch KualaLumpur26 pic.twitter.com/hyJbW0GfIC
— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) February 7, 2026
Quartararo was already back in Europe at that point. In the crash, he not only suffered abrasions to his left arm, but also broke the middle finger of his right hand. Surgery was performed in Barcelona to stabilize the fracture.
Yamaha expects Quartararo to be back in action for the Buriram test. “I would like to say that he is doing well,” said Yamaha General Manager Paolo Pavesio at the MotoGP presentation in Kuala Lumpur.
Pavesio confirmed: “Fabio will definitely be there for both the next test in Thailand and the first Grand Prix of the season.” Since both Martin and Quartararo will be traveling to Buriram, only one regular rider is still missing. Fermin Aldeguer broke his left thigh bone during private motorcycle training in early January and had to undergo surgery. He is working on his rehabilitation at home and did not travel to Malaysia for the test drives and presentation.
It is still unclear when Aldeguer will be able to get back on his Gresini Ducati. The team emphasizes that a comeback should not be rushed. The Spaniard recently said that he is aiming for Brazil. That would be the second race of the season, which takes place from March 20 to 22.
