Until May 2025, MotoGP’s rules did not allow permanent riders to return from injury to test a MotoGP bike before entering the race weekend. Regardless of how many events they missed, any testing was limited to official test days or post-race tests. It meant that missing multiple races due to injury did not give any special privileges to the riders.
Why Aprilia Asked For A Change After Jorge Martin’s Crash?
Aprilia, led by CEO Massimo Rivola, pushed for a rule change after Jorge Martin’s destructive crash. Jorge Martin, the reigning world champion, suffered multiple injuries and missed a significant part of the early season. He made a return in the Qatar MotoGP and suffered a crash once again, which resulted in rib fractures, which further delayed his return in the MotoGP 2025 season.
Rivola argued that with MotoGP’s intense format, where qualifying races start on Friday, riders returning from lengthy layoffs should be allowed a one-day test to regain their confidence, analyse fitness, and get a handle on the bike. The move was intended to benefit all riders, not just Jorge Martin, as a matter of safety and fairness.
What Changed?
The Grand Prix Commission has now amended the rules. These rules are as follows:
- The permanent MotoGP riders who miss three or more consecutive events (races or official tests longer than one day), or are out for over 45 consecutive days, are allowed a single one-day private test before returning to race.
- The test must be held at a circuit eligible for the manufacturer and must not be scheduled to host a MotoGP race for the rest of the season.
- Tyres for the test come from the manufacturer’s existing test allocation, with a maximum of three sets allowed.
- Post-race tests are considered part of the preceding Grand Prix weekend and do not count as a separate event for eligibility.
What’s Next Now?
This rule is effective immediately, allowing riders like Jorge Martin, who have missed three or more events due to injury, to regain their race fitness and confidence in a controlled environment before facing the pressures of a race weekend.
The change was initially resisted by rival teams who believed it could offeran unfair advantage to certain manufacturers, however, the situation changed after Jorge Martin’s repeated injuries, which highlighted the limitations of the old system.
Also Read: Jorge Martin Injury Update As He Gets Out Of The Hospital
