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Jorge Martín leads MotoGP title fight after injury return, eyes Yamaha switch

2026-07-16 · Jorge Martín · Player Focus

Jorge Martín returns to MotoGP lead ahead of German GP

Jorge Martín has reclaimed the MotoGP championship lead for the first time since 2024, returning from injury to face the German Grand Prix with a clear target. The Madrid-born rider, nicknamed the ‘Martinator’, missed the 2025 season after injury but now leads a tightly packed title fight.

What happened at the Sachsenring press conference?

At the opening press conference for the German Grand Prix, Martín passed the favouritism baton to Marc Márquez. The eight-time Sachsenring winner now has a shot at securing his tenth victory at the track. Martín admitted his recent pace hasn’t matched expectations, pointing to Assen’s struggles where Trackhouse’s speed left him trailing.

Why Martín’s Yamaha switch matters now

Martín confirmed his move to Yamaha in blunt terms, framing it as a family decision. “When I joined MotoGP, I could have chosen Ducati,” he said. “Then the right moment came for Aprilia: and now, with a view to the future for me and my family, it was time to sign for Yamaha.” The switch was already public but his comments added fresh weight.

The title fight tightens ahead of summer break

Ahead of Races 21 and 22, the top four in the World Championship: Martín, Marco Bezzecchi, Francesco Di Giannantonio and Ai Ogura: are separated by just 25 points. Even Márquez, the Sachsenring record-holder, sits 40 points off the lead. Martín’s Aprilia project faces pressure after recent consistency without wins, with only one retirement in the last eight races.

Martín’s self-criticism and next goals

Martín called his recent pace “not entirely satisfying,” citing Assen where he “didn’t stand a chance” against Trackhouse. He praised Aprilia’s bike work but stressed the need to extract more. His focus now is delivering peak performance, not standings spots. “It’s nice to be in P1, but that’s about it,” he said. “The World Championship is very competitive; a whole host of riders are bunched very closely together.”

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