Aprilia details private MotoGP test for Martin at Misano

Aprilia has announced it will conduct a private test with Jorge Martin this Wednesday at Misano as part of his comeback preparations, as he looks set to make his MotoGP return at the Czech Republic Grand Prix.

In a statement on Monday, Aprilia confirmed it will organise a private test day at Misano on Wednesday 9 July so that Martin can ride the RS-GP, the Noale-based manufacturer's MotoGP prototype.

The test takes advantage of the new regulation, instigated by Aprilia, that allows a rider to do a private test day after being out injured for three or more grands prix. This is the case for the Spaniard, who, after missing the first three stops of the season in Thailand, Argentina and Austin, reappeared in Qatar and suffered another injury that has seen him out of action since.

Martin has missed that last six MotoGP rounds in Jerez, France, Great Britain, Aragon, Mugello and the Netherlands, and will also miss this weekend’s German Grand Prix.

The reigning MotoGP world champion underwent a medical examination last Monday, after which he was cleared for testing, but not for racing at the Sachsenring this weekend.

Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing

Photo by: Albert Javierre

Since then, the rider rented the Circuit de Barcelona to complete two sessions on an Aprilia RSV4 road bike last week. After ensuring that everything was going in the right direction, Aprilia will commit to the next step to allow Martin to get on a MotoGP bike and begin acclimating to the power and characteristics of the Noale prototype.

Although the Spaniard said he felt good after nearly 100 laps at the Montmelo track on Aprilia’s sport bike, he will need to undergo a final medical examination before being entering for a race reappearance.

But everything indicates that Martin will return to compete in the Czech Republic GP, which takes place next week and is the last round before the summer break.

For Martin, it's important to return before the summer break, firstly to avoid prolonging a layoff that has already lasted more than three months, while the break will offer him a period of rest after his first grand prix since his injury.