January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
BRNO (Czech Republic), July 18 — Spain’s Jorge Martin is set to make his highly anticipated return at the Czech MotoGP this weekend, as the Brno circuit hosts its first grand prix since 2020.
While Marc Marquez is currently dominating the season with four consecutive victories and a commanding lead in the standings, all eyes are on Martin, who is eager to make a strong comeback after a grueling injury spell.
Marquez, 32, riding for the Ducati factory team, has amassed 344 points from 11 of 22 races, winning both the sprint and main races at seven events. His brother Alex Marquez, racing with Gresini Ducati, is second with 261 points, followed by teammate and former champion Francesco Bagnaia with 197.
Jorge Martin, however, has yet to score a single point this season after being sidelined by two pre-season crashes. A heavy fall in Qatar upon his return in April forced him to miss seven additional races. Now fully recovered from 11 fractured ribs, the 27-year-old is determined to make a statement in Brno.
“I feel more physically prepared than ever,” said Martin. “I used the downtime to improve my performance, and I believe I’m returning as a better, more complete rider.”
“I’m not here just to ride laps — I’m here to compete at my best.”
Martin also confirmed on Thursday that he will remain with Aprilia for the 2026 season, ending speculation about his future after previous tensions with the team and hints at invoking a release clause.
Brno, returning to the MotoGP calendar after years of financial challenges, is expected to offer exciting racing on its newly resurfaced 5.4km track under mostly sunny skies.
Marc Marquez welcomed Martin’s return, calling it a positive development for the sport.
“It’s great for MotoGP, for Aprilia, and especially for Jorge,” Marquez told MotoGP.com. “With Martin, you never know — he could be fast again in no time.”
Marquez has claimed three MotoGP wins at Brno (2013, 2017, 2019), though he missed the last race there in 2020 due to a broken arm. South African rider Brad Binder took a surprise victory in that edition.
Holding the current lap record of 1:54.596 set in 2016, Marquez is optimistic about improving that time, noting that recent manufacturer tests suggest the new surface may allow riders to be up to two seconds faster.
Chasing his seventh MotoGP title — and his first since 2019 — Marquez hopes to equal the legendary Valentino Rossi’s tally.
Elsewhere, Maverick Vinales, still recovering from a shoulder injury, will be replaced by Pol Espargaro. Franco Morbidelli is also out after a severe crash in Germany.
Following the Brno GP, the championship will head into its summer break, returning with the Austrian Grand Prix from August 15 to 17. — AFP
