MotoGP Comeback for Jorge Martin, Haas Rejects F1 Sale, and FIA Presidential Race Heats Up

After a rollercoaster season filled with injury setbacks, Jorge Martin is finally nearing his return to MotoGP action. The reigning world champion has been sidelined for over three months but is now set for a pivotal test session with Aprilia at Misano. Meanwhile, in Formula 1, Gene Haas has reportedly rejected several buyout offers to stay firmly at the helm of the Haas F1 Team, underlining his long-term commitment to the sport. And in a significant political move, American motorsports executive Tim Mayer has officially launched a campaign to challenge Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the presidency of the FIA later this year.

Martin Set for Aprilia MotoGP Test Ahead of Czech Return

Aprilia has confirmed that Jorge Martin will undergo a private MotoGP test at Misano on Wednesday, July 9, as he eyes a return to racing at the Czech Grand Prix next week. Martin has missed six consecutive Grands Prix due to a series of injuries, starting with a crash in Qatar and setbacks that followed, including missing rounds in Jerez, France, Britain, Aragon, Mugello, and the Netherlands.

The Misano test is permitted under new rules pushed by Aprilia, that allow a rider returning from injury after missing at least three Grands Prix to test a MotoGP machine before resuming competition. Martin has already completed two unofficial sessions on an Aprilia RSV4 at the Circuit de Barcelona, doing nearly 100 laps to assess his fitness.

He passed the preliminary medical checks necessary to ride, and while he won’t compete at the German GP this weekend, the Czech Republic Grand Prix looks set to mark his comeback. Returning before the summer break is crucial, not only to prevent further rust but to use the break to recover from his first race back and regain momentum in the title defense.

Gene Haas Rebuffs Multiple Offers to Sell F1 Team

While the Formula 1 paddock has been rife with rumors about team sales and investment shakeups, Haas F1 Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has put speculation to rest.

According to Komatsu, team owner Gene Haas has rejected "numerous offers" to sell the team over the past 18 months. Despite the challenges the team has faced, including a poor showing at Silverstone and sitting ninth in the Constructors’ standings. Haas remains committed to staying in F1.

“He enjoys being the owner, one of ten teams (soon to be one of eleven). It’s such a privileged position to be in,” Komatsu said. “He came in at a time when F1 wasn’t like this and stuck with us through Covid. He’s enjoying it. He’s not interested in selling at all.”

To celebrate the team’s 10th anniversary and 200th Grand Prix, Haas and Komatsu will both get behind the wheel of the VF-23 and VF-24 at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. For Komatsu, it’s a symbolic moment: “When I asked him in Miami to drive the car, I said, ‘You’ve built this team, go enjoy what you created.’ He was nervous but agreed.”

Tim Mayer Announces FIA Presidential Bid

In a surprising turn of events within motorsports governance, American executive Tim Mayer has officially announced his candidacy for FIA President, setting up a challenge to incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem in December’s election.

Mayer brings over three decades of motorsport experience and has held roles across a wide range of disciplines from Formula 1 to IndyCar, IMSA, Formula E, and WEC. He’s also no stranger to the FIA itself, having served as a member of its World Council and chairing the panel of F1 stewards for eight years before being removed from the role by Ben Sulayem last year.

Now, Mayer is looking to bring what he calls “professionalism, transparency, and reform” back to the FIA under the banner of his “FIA Forward” campaign. “We need a professional organization that values our volunteers and Member Clubs and is looking for growth especially in underserved countries,” Mayer said.

He praised Ben Sulayem’s 2021 manifesto for its ideals but criticized the lack of follow-through. “Four years ago, Mohammed came up with some very good ideas… but we’ve never had less transparency than we do now.”