Title contender Jorge Martin returned to MotoGP track action during opening practice for the Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit, less than two weeks after fracturing his wrist in Australia. Martin had refused to sit idle on the sidelines after withdrawing from the Malaysian Grand Prix following FP2. While he was some three seconds off the pace in Sepang last weekend, Friday morning practice portrayed a much more competitive showing, with Martin ending the initial 45 minutes of practice in fifth position, just over seven-tenths adrift of Marc Marquez's benchmark.
The 2024 world champion clocked in a total of 15 laps during FP1—the joint-third-highest number of laps out of everyone else on the grid—having been keen to get as much time out on track as possible on Friday morning to properly assess his range of motion aboard Aprilia's RS-GP26. Despite the relatively strong showing all things considered, MotoGP pundit Michael Laverty pointed out how the Spaniard's busy FP1 programme could potentially become a worry as the weekend unfolds. When this statistic was highlighted to Laverty during TNT Sports' coverage of FP1 in Lusail, the Toome-born pundit noted concern regarding inflammation and the risk of hurting the injury further throughout the weekend. Rehabilitation that Martin was able to benefit from over the previous six days may have seen his injury become more manageable to ride around this weekend. Laverty added that Martin had managed his laps considerably in Malaysia because he largely knew it was not going to happen, whereas in Qatar he appeared more keen to get the setup dialed in than worry too much about the injury.
During FP1, MotoGP journalist Ruben Carballo was able to get an update from Aprilia team manager Paolo Bonora regarding Martin's recovery. In a post on X, Carballo shared comments from the Italian engineer, who stated that Martin felt slightly better than he had in Malaysia and was more comfortable, particularly when changing direction. However, Bonora explained that Martin was still struggling under braking, although Lusail presents fewer heavy braking zones. Martin had returned to Spain for treatment and completed positive work with a physiotherapist before the event at Lusail. Reports have suggested that a full recovery for Martin could take four months, while he is attempting to get it done in mere weeks.
While seeing Martin on the top step of the podium on Sunday evening may be a bit of an unrealistic prospect, it is still possible for him to scupper Marc Marquez's chances of wrapping up the 2026 riders' title in Qatar. The factory Ducati ace will need to outscore his compatriot by 30 points this weekend to claim an eighth world title on Sunday, while also outscoring Martin's Aprilia teammate and outside championship contender, Marco Bezzecchi, by eight points.
