Aprilia’s Jorge Martin feels the 2026 bike is “very pure” for his driving type after pre-season testing, however admits he’s nonetheless “a pair” off the tempo.
The 2024 world champion missed the Sepang Take a look at to get well from a number of low season surgical procedures and returned to driving finally weekend’s Buriram Take a look at.
Regardless of having solely two days of RS-GP apply forward of this weekend’s Thai Grand Prix, Jorge Martin completed the check nicely, ending eighth on the mixed timesheets.
Martin went into the season opener having discovered a base set-up on the Buriram observe, however admits he’s nonetheless greater than two tenths off the tempo he must compete on the prime.
“I feel I type of discovered the premise for this music,” he mentioned.
“I feel we’re in a great place aerodynamically, which is excellent as a result of we’ve totally different choices relying on the course.”
“Select one or the opposite relying on what you want.
“Right this moment I used to be engaged on electronics and ending issues up for the race weekend.
“I all the time felt like I used to be constant. Tempo-wise, I feel I used to be two or three tenths of a second behind the quickest rider.”
“I had somewhat bit extra time within the time assault and was quicker. I’ve actually made an enormous enchancment from final season.”
Martin: “There is no must do something totally different” for Aprilia in 2026
Regardless of a fragmented pre-season, Martin is in a significantly better place than he was this time final yr when it comes to his understanding of Aprilia.
He feels he can push the RS-GP in a pure method now, however is cautious about making predictions about future races.
“I feel this bike will assist me attain my potential,” he added.
“I nonetheless miss laps and racing, nevertheless it’s a motorbike that feels very pure to my driving type.
“You do not have to do something totally different from what you have accomplished earlier than, and you will be quicker. You do not have to do something totally different from what you have accomplished earlier than.”
“This can be a actually unusual observe, so I do not wish to be too optimistic about it.
“Then once you go to Austin or Jerez, every part modifications. However the preliminary feeling is excellent.”
