Jorge Martin has to miss the MotoGP winter test in Sepang as expected—Aprilia is relying on test rider Lorenzo Savadori instead
The MotoGP winter test in Sepang (Malaysia) will take place without Jorge Martin in 2026: Aprilia has confirmed that the Spaniard is unable to take part in the official test from February 3 to 5 due to his recent operations.
After a 2025 season marked by injuries, during which Martin had to undergo several surgical procedures, the condition of his left carpal bone and right collarbone required further surgery. Participation in the Sepang test was therefore considered unlikely anyway.
Martin will travel to Sepang on Sunday to attend the test and the official season launch of all MotoGP teams in Kuala Lumpur, but he will not be riding.
Savadori takes over for Martin
For the Aprilia factory team, this means another outing for their experienced test rider Lorenzo Savadori. The Italian, who has already served as a substitute in the past, will take over Martin’s duties at the Malaysian winter test and continue development work on the new RS-GP26. Savadori has repeatedly shown in the past that he is reliable in his duties as a substitute rider and can support Aprilia in fine-tuning the machine.
“It’s important that he gets back to full fitness as soon as possible,” Savadori says of Martin. “Of course, it’s a shame that he can’t be there for the tests in Malaysia, but the most important thing is that he recovers well before the start of the season.”
Martin is now looking ahead to the second official winter test in Buriram (Thailand) at the end of February, where he is currently aiming to return to the track. This second test before the season opener on the same track on March 1 could be his first opportunity to actively get back into the rhythm.
Two MotoGP riders already missing
Nevertheless, the enforced break means Martin will lose important testing mileage and data that are essential in MotoGP preparation. This could be an additional challenge for Martin, especially after a season in which he has already missed many races and test days due to injuries.
Martin is already the second regular MotoGP rider to miss the Sepang test. Fermin Aldeguer from the Gresini team also has to take a break. He suffered a fracture in his left thigh during training in the winter break.