Overview

• Charging from the midfield to fourth at Balaton Park delivered Martin’s best result since his injury layoff and his strongest weekend yet on the factory Aprilia.
• Race analysis showed his pace was virtually identical to team‑mate Marco Bezzecchi’s over 26 laps, with only a 0.002s‑per‑lap deficit overall and slightly quicker averages late in the race.
• A weak qualifying left him mired in traffic and curtailed any realistic podium bid despite late‑race speed that could have reduced but not erased the gap to third.
• Martin said relations with Aprilia are on the right track after earlier friction over a contested break clause, crediting the crew’s work and stressing ongoing adaptation to the RS‑GP.
• He reported a beneficial rear‑end setup change, lingering braking and ride‑height‑device learning, roughly 90% fitness with no pain, and an emotional release after gaining a dozen positions in the grand prix.