Martin wins his first Aprilia Grand Prix at French MotoGP

Monday, 11 May 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Jorge Martin

Jorge Martin charged from seventh on the grid to win the French Grand Prix yesterday, claiming his first MotoGP victory in 588 days, while moving within striking distance of his Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi in the championship battle.

The Spaniard, who endured a forgettable 2025 season plagued by crashes and injuries, overtook race leader Bezzecchi with three laps remaining to secure his first win since winning the 2024 title.

The victory moved Martin to within one point of championship leader Bezzecchi after five rounds.

Ai Ogura completed the podium in third for Aprilia’s satellite team, Trackhouse, giving the Italian manufacturer its first-ever podium sweep, while he became the first Japanese rider on the podium in 14 years.

Ducati had another Sunday to forget, with reigning champion Marc Marquez missing the race after fracturing his foot in Saturday’s sprint crash, while teammate and polesitter Francesco Bagnaia crashed while in second place.