Marquez Champions Rule Change for Injured MotoGP Riders
In the unpredictable world of MotoGP, injures are as constant as tire wear, but what if injured riders could test their bikes before making a comeback? Enter Marc Marquez, our six-time world champion, who supports the idea of a rule change that would allow riders to get back in the saddle before rejoining the fray. But hold on—he’s not pushing for this change right this second.
At the recent Argentina Grand Prix, Aprilia made headlines with a unique request: let Jorge Martin test his RS-GP before he takes to the track again after a botched motocross incident left him with a broken hand. Martin has already skipped the season's first two races, and he’ll miss the Americas GP too, setting the stage for a potential return at Qatar—but only if the suits in charge allow it!
Marquez articulated his stance, commenting that while the notion of allowing a testing phase is a promising rule change "for the future," it was a luxury he didn’t have during his own battles with injuries between 2020 and 2023. "When I came back from my injury, this rule didn’t exist. Maybe we could consider allowing a test for someone who has been out for two months, but only for one day—two would be too much!" He explained with a grin, balancing the gravity of injury management with his characteristic wit.
Aprilia’s team manager, Paulo Bonora, revealed their strategy: a 2-3 day test at Misano to help Martin acclimate before heading to Doha. Marquez asserts that in MotoGP, knowing whether a rider is fit to race is crucial—but getting back to race pace is a challenge requiring ample practice time on the track.
The consensus among team bigwigs indicates a hopeful future direction: Davide Tardozzi from Ducati believes easing testing rules may benefit everyone but isn’t keen on applying it just yet, emphasizing, "when Jorge recovers, he will be one of our big rivals!" And with the tide of competition surging, some changes seem inevitable.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the paddock watches and waits—hoping for smoother comebacks and fewer soap-opera-worthy injuries. One thing's for sure: with champions like Marquez leading the charge, change is the only constant in this exhilarating sport.
