Jorge Martin returns from injury at Qatar GP as Marc Marquez eyes redemption

Martin makes comeback after injury, Marquez seeks to erase disappointment from Austin crash.

Jorge Martin of Spain and Aprilia Racing greets fans in the garage during Free Practice for the MotoGP of the USA on March 28, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Jorge Martin returns from injury at Qatar MotoGP this weekend, stepping back onto the track after being sidelined for nearly two months. The Aprilia rider, who suffered a broken hand and foot in a crash during pre-season testing in Malaysia, is eager to rejoin the grid—even if he’s unsure how long he can physically endure the intense demands of a full Grand Prix race.

“I don’t even know if I’ll be able to finish the race,” Martin admitted ahead of his comeback. “But just starting again is a victory for me. It means recovery is underway, and that’s what matters right now.”

The return of Martin adds an extra layer of excitement to an already intense MotoGP season. Though his title defense began under the worst of circumstances, the reigning world champion is determined not to let his absence define his year. With 17 races still ahead, there’s time to rebuild—starting under the lights at the Lusail International Circuit.

A determined comeback amid physical uncertainty

Martin’s crash in early February during pre-season testing left fans and pundits alike wondering when he would make it back to the grid. After missing the opening three rounds, including Argentina, Portugal, and the USA, the Spaniard’s reappearance in Qatar is not just symbolic—it’s a statement of resilience.

Even if he’s not at full fitness, just showing up matters. “To be honest, I haven’t tested my race endurance yet,” he confessed. “But if I can manage the pain and stay upright, even a few points would feel like a win.”

His Aprilia team has been working behind the scenes to prepare the bike and strategy to ease his reentry into competitive racing. However, the Qatari track won’t offer any favors. Its mix of long straights and high-speed corners will challenge both rider and machine.

Marc Marquez looks to bounce back from Austin heartbreak

While Martin is rejoining the championship, fellow Spaniard Marc Marquez is aiming to recover from a different kind of setback—an emotional one. In Austin, Marquez looked poised to extend his incredible run this season, having secured pole and won the sprint race. But during the main event, disaster struck.

Marc Marquez (93) of Spain and the Ducati Lenovo Team prepares to put on his helmet in the garage before the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, on March 30, 2025. Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire

A crash midway through the race ended what could have been his sixth consecutive victory. “Ending a near-perfect weekend with this crash inevitably leaves a bitter taste,” Marquez said in his post-race debrief. “But this is racing. You have to move on quickly.”

Marquez dropped vital championship points with that crash, ceding his place at the top of the standings. Still, the Ducati rider remains upbeat. “There’s a long season ahead, and consistency is key,” he added.

Qatar presents a prime opportunity for him to reclaim lost ground. He’s historically performed well at Lusail, and with the pressure of a winning streak off his back, Marquez may feel freer to ride with his signature aggression.

The early part of the MotoGP season has already offered plenty of drama. With Martin missing races and Marquez stumbling in Austin, the door has opened for other contenders to make their mark.

Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, and Pedro Acosta have all taken advantage of the chaotic start to mount their own challenges. Bagnaia, in particular, has been quietly consistent, and his presence near the top of the standings is a reminder of his pedigree.

Acosta, the rookie sensation, continues to impress with fearless riding and mature decision-making. He might not be in the title conversation yet, but a few surprise podiums could easily change that narrative.

Qatar could be a tipping point in the season, especially if Martin and Marquez reassert themselves as frontrunners. A clean race and strong finishes for both Spaniards would tighten the championship race and raise the stakes heading into the European leg of the calendar.

Night racing in the desert

The Qatar MotoGP, famous for its floodlit atmosphere, brings unique challenges. Racing under artificial light affects visibility and tire temperatures, making setup decisions more complicated for engineers and teams.

“I love racing at night—it’s magical,” said Marquez. “But it’s also unpredictable. You never know how the bike will respond as conditions change.”

Martin echoed similar concerns. “We’ll need to adapt quickly. I haven’t raced in this kind of environment since last season, and I’m coming in with no momentum.”

The Lusail track surface is known for its smoothness but also for accumulating sand from nearby deserts, reducing grip and making traction management vital. With two riders returning under different circumstances, every detail could make or break their weekend.

Jorge Martin’s return from injury at Qatar MotoGP marks a crucial moment in the 2025 season. While his physical condition may limit his immediate ambitions, his presence alone sends a strong message: the champion is not giving up.

Meanwhile, Marc Marquez is chasing redemption after falling short in Texas. With so much talent converging in one race, Qatar could become one of the season’s most defining moments.

Fans around the world will be watching closely as both men aim to shift the narrative back in their favor. Whether it’s Martin’s courage or Marquez’s determination, this weekend promises drama, emotion, and top-tier racing under the desert stars.