Marco Bezzecchi
Aprilia have been at odds with MotoGP tyre suppliers Michelin since Jorge Martin’s severe accident on day one of the Sepang Test. The world champion had to return to Europe for an operation.
Martin broke fingers and toes when he landed after the violent highside on the exit of turn two. His helmet also slammed against the tarmac, but he’s seemingly avoided any head injury.
The Noale outfit have since confirmed that he’ll miss next week’s test in Buriram. He’s still hopeful of featuring in the season-opening Thailand Grand Prix.
Aprilia have ruled out any mechanical issue or rider error after studying the data. They’ve instead called for an investigation into the tyres.
Manager Pierro Taramasso defended Michelin under heat from Massimo Rivola. But the dispute is ongoing as the teams and riders arrive in Bangkok for Sunday’s season launch.
Marc Marquez called Martin’s crash ‘very strange’ given that there was plenty of rubber, and therefore grip, as a result of the Shakedown. He wasn’t the only rider who viewed it as an abnormal accident.
MotoGP ‘protocol’ is likely to change after Jorge Martin’s violent Sepang crash
Michelin have determined that the internal temperature of the tyre was below the operating window. According to journalist Simon Patterson, this may have been because Martin crashed shortly before (at turn one), and lost heat during the slow run down the pit lane.
As is routine, Aprilia only measured the surface temperature, which gave a standard reading. Thus they wouldn’t have been aware of the risk.
Patterson expects a new ‘protocol’ in the future, with tyres examined more thoroughly. He suspects this may have been the cause of ‘past incidents’ too.
It’s worth noting that Rivola has rejected Michelin’s findings. He said, via The Race, that Aprilia’s data ‘in now way confirms’ them and has demanded a meeting to find a resolution.
The whispers about Jorge Martin’s accident in the MotoGP paddock
Martin made ‘gestures of great pain’ in the moments after he hit the tarmac. Given the severity of the crash, the injuries seem fairly minor.
The Spaniard’s preparations for his first season at Aprilia have clearly been compromised. And if he does make it to Buriram for the end of the month, he might not be 100% fit.
But it’s fair to say it could have been a lot worse. And that could be why Aprilia are insisting that action is taken.
Some in the MotoGP paddock believe Rivola is protecting his team. Dorna’s Jack Appleyard doubts that there will ever be a definitive answer as to what happened.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
