Marco Bezzecchi
Multiple riders were injured during MotoGP’s pre-season testing with three requiring surgery to fix their issues.
Raul Fernandez, Fabio Di Giannantionio and Jorge Martin all suffered falls in Sepang which left them with broken bones and many bruises.
The reigning world champion’s fall was perhaps the most significant, considering he was in desperate need of laps on a new Aprilia bike since changing teams in the winter.
He flew home for immediate surgery and set the goal of making the first race of the season at the Grand Prix of Thailand.
Martin faced two medical checks to be cleared for his Aprilia debut including one in Spain and one in Thailand.
The accident means that a rider already on the backfoot after shifting to a weaker bike now faces an even bigger task to defend his crown.
Jorge Martin requires immediate surgery and will miss the Thailand Grand Prix
According to a report from the Spanish edition of Motorsport.com, Martin has suffered a setback in his recovery after a fall and requires further surgery.
It rules him out of competing in the season-opening Grand Prix of Thailand and damages his chances of retaining his riders’ championship.
His return date has not been announced although he may end up missing further events due to the severity of the aggravation.
READ MORE: Aleix Espargaro sends three-word rallying cry to Jorge Martin after Aprilia recovery update
Martin’s replacement is yet to be confirmed, with test rider Lorenzo Savadori waiting in the wings if required at short notice.
The timing of the matter is frustrating for the Spaniard, having received the green light to prepare for a return in Buriram by doctors one week ago.
The 27-year-old now has an extra two weeks to prepare for the second race of the year, which is due to be held in Argentina after one year off the calendar.
Michael Laverty praised Jorge Martin’s ‘perfect’ mindset after title win
Martin considered retirement after fearing he would ‘never win again’ in MotoGP but stuck at the task and beat Francesco Bagnaia to the title by 10 points last season.
Ultimately, he was more consistent than his rival and despite winning eight fewer races than him, secured the triumph.
READ MORE: The MotoGP race Gino Borsoi felt made Jorge Martin ‘stronger’ in his quest for a title with Pramac
Speaking about Martin after he claimed his maiden crown in Barcelona last season, Michael Laverty heaped praise on him.
“He started the year with the perfect mindset, and he delivered. He’s the right person to be awarded No. 1 today,” he told TNT Sports.
He will need to show that his mindset and resilience are strong in the face of adversity after facing a setback in his injury recovery.
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