Jorge Martín and Fermín Aldeguer to miss Sepang MotoGP Test

Sepang Test 2026

The 2026 MotoGP pre-season will get underway in Malaysia without two key riders, after confirmations that Jorge Martín and Fermín Aldeguer will both be sidelined for the upcoming Sepang Official Test due to injury.

Martín continues recovery as Savadori leads Aprilia testing

Jorge Martín miss the on-track action in Malaysia, with Aprilia Racing confirming that he will continue his recovery programme following revision surgery to his left scaphoid and right clavicle carried out in mid-December.

The decision to sideline Martín from testing has been made with an eye firmly on the opening rounds of the championship, with Aprilia prioritising full physical recovery over an early return, as any return would risk aggravation.

Sepang carries particular significance in Martín’s recent history. It was at the Sepang test ahead of the 2025 season where a series of crashes and physical setbacks first undermined his pre-season preparation, contributing to a difficult year marked by recurring injuries, compromised form, and growing frustration on both sides of the garage. That period ultimately coincided with tensions that led Martín to explore options to leave Aprilia before the situation stabilised later in the season.

Against that backdrop, Aprilia has opted for a more conservative approach this time, with Martín expected to attend the Sepang test in a non-riding capacity to stay closely involved in the RS-GP26 development process without risking a repeat of past issues.

Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori will therefore lead development of the RS-GP26, beginning with the Sepang Shakedown Test (January 29–31) and continuing through the Official Test from February 3–5. Savadori will also assist with development work across all Aprilia machines, including those of the Trackhouse MotoGP Team.

Although Martín will not ride, he is expected to be present in Malaysia to follow the test programme closely and remain involved in the ongoing development process.

Savadori said the Sepang tests will be particularly busy, with a wide range of new components scheduled for evaluation, while stressing that Martín’s long-term fitness remains the priority ahead of the opening round.

Aldeguer ruled out after femur fracture

BK8 Gresini Racing have confirmed that Fermín Aldeguer will miss the three-day official test at Sepang after sustaining a fractured left femur in a training accident in Valencia earlier this month.

The 2025 MotoGP Rookie of the Year underwent surgery in Barcelona on January 9, with the procedure reported as successful. However, the severity of the injury made participation in the Sepang test highly unlikely from the outset, and the team has now confirmed the Spaniard will not travel to Malaysia.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether Aldeguer will be fit to return for the Buriram test in Thailand, scheduled the weekend before the opening round of the 2026 season. That decision will be made closer to the date as his rehabilitation progresses.

In Aldeguer’s absence, Gresini Racing will focus its Sepang programme solely on Alex Márquez and his adaptation to the latest-spec Ducati, with the official test set to begin on February 3.

With both Aldeguer and Martín absent, the Sepang test will take place without two riders expected to play prominent roles in the 2026 season, placing greater emphasis on team-mates and test riders as development work intensifies ahead of the Buriram season opener.

2026 MotoGP Dates