A Setback for the Reigning MotoGP Champion
Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin has faced a significant setback as he will miss the opening round of the 2025 season in Thailand due to a fracture in his left hand sustained during training. The injury occurred on Monday, just days before the Thailand Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place this week in Buriram. Martin is now set to undergo surgery on Tuesday to address the fracture, adding another layer of complexity to his already challenging recovery process.
A Harsh Winter Break
This latest injury marks a particularly tumultuous winter break for Martin. Just a few weeks ago, he suffered a horrific highside during the pre-season testing at Sepang, Malaysia. The crash, which occurred on the opening day of testing, resulted in fractures to his right hand and left foot. Following the incident, Martin spent 24 hours under observation for a severe blow to the head before traveling to Barcelona to undergo surgery performed by Dr. Xavier Mir on February 7. Despite these setbacks, Martin’s team and his entourage had been optimistic about his recovery and his ability to contest the Thailand Grand Prix. They indicated that he was making good progress and was preparing to travel to Thailand on Tuesday with the aim of passing the medical examination on Thursday and participating in the first practice session the following day.
The Incident in Detail
Martin’s latest injury is a blow to his morale and to the expectations of his fans and team. On Monday morning, he was participating in a training session when he sustained the fracture in his left hand. The exact nature of the training session and the circumstances under which the injury occurred are not yet clear, but it is evident that the physical strain of recovering from his previous injuries and the demands of training have taken a toll. The need for immediate surgery highlights the severity of the fracture, and while the exact timeline for his return to racing is unknown, it is clear that this will be a significant disruption to his 2025 season plans.
A Multi-Million Dollar Investment
Martin’s importance to Aprilia cannot be overstated. The Spanish rider signed a multi-million dollar deal to lead Aprilia’s MotoGP programme following his championship win on a Pramac Ducati in 2024. This contract was a significant investment by the Italian manufacturer, who sees Martin as a key player in their quest to challenge for podium finishes and championships. Martin’s first opportunity to ride the Aprilia RS-GP came in November during a test in Barcelona, but his time on the bike was limited to just a dozen laps at Sepang due to the violent crash that threw him off the bike at Turn 2. Aprilia had been willing to give Martin additional time to acclimate to the new machine, using the first few rounds of the season as an extended test programme. However, the new injury has complicated these plans and may further delay his integration into the team.
Possible Substitute
In the wake of Martin’s injury, Aprilia is considering options to fill the void. One potential candidate is Lorenzo Savadori, the 31-year-old test rider for Aprilia. Savadori has already been in Buriram, participating in the team’s test last week to gain valuable mileage with the RS-GP. While Savadori is an experienced rider, the loss of Martin’s presence and expertise will undoubtedly be felt by the team. Savadori’s participation would provide some continuity for Aprilia, but it would not be the same as having their championship-winning rider in the saddle.
Looking Ahead
The journey to recovery for Jorge Martin will likely be long and arduous. His fans and the MotoGP community will be closely following his progress, hoping for a swift and successful recovery. Martin’s dedication to the sport and his resilience in the face of adversity have been well-documented, and many are confident that he will return stronger and more determined. For Aprilia, this setback is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of racing and the importance of having a well-prepared substitute in times of need. As the Thailand Grand Prix approaches, the team will focus on maximizing their performance with the available riders and resources, while keeping a watchful eye on Martin’s recovery to ensure he is ready for the subsequent rounds of the season.
