MSMA meets in Austin: Martin's test on a MotoGP bike is a pipe dream

The MSMA, the association that brings together the MotoGP manufacturers, is all set to meet at Austin. On the table is discussion of Massimo Rivola's proposal to change the regulations to allow riders out of racing for long periods due to injury to test on a MotoGP bike. Clearly, Aprilia would like to have this possibility for Jorge Martin, who was only able to test the RS-GP last year at Barcelona and for a few laps at Sepang in February.

The Spaniard is considering whether to return to Qatar in two weeks, and that test would be crucial for him, also to check his physical condition. Obviously, the timeframe is tight and not all the other manufacturers agree to a change in course. Ducati is one of them, but it is not the only one that has doubts about the possibility of laying a hand on the regulations in the meantime.

Of course, racing is competition and opponents do not want to make any concessions to each other; in fact, every means possible is used to try to beat them. As it should be. Between the two Italian sisters however, good blood has not always flowed. Remember 2019, when Aprilia appealed against Ducati for the infamous 'spoon'? Three years later, in 2022, instead it was all the other manufacturers who voted against the 'mobile' front lowering device, to be used during the lap, which was thus abolished at the end of the season. Clearly, Borgo Panigale has all these precedents tied to its finger.

For a rule change, unanimity is needed in the MSMA, and that seems as difficult as ever to achieve. The idea will probably not be rejected outright, but postponed until 2026. After all, all teams have had the misfortune of being in a similar situation and a change in the rules is possible, but not with timing that would favor Martin and Aprilia. So, it can be talked about for next year, so that everyone starts the season in the same condition.

The MSMA meeting has yet to be held, but there are unlikely to be any surprises.