Keith Huewen has just six words for Aprilia after Jorge Martin is ruled out of Thailand Grand Prix

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Defending MotoGP champion Jorge Martin has suffered a major setback in his recovery. He will miss the season opener in Thailand this weekend.

The Spaniard suffered a violent highside on the first day of pre-season testing in Sepang. Martin had multiple fractures and required immediate surgery.

He was subsequently ruled out of the rest of pre-season as he returned to Europe for his recovery. Aprilia had anticipated he would be ready for the Thailand Grand Prix.

However, the 27-year-old suffered a crash in training, with surgery for his injuries being successful. Martin will miss the season opener in Buriram in what is a devastating blow for Aprilia and the Spanard for his title defence,

Reserve rider Lorenzo Savadori has been confirmed as his replacement. The Italian will race alongside fellow compatriot Marco Bezzecchi as they look to build upon an encouraging pre-season.

Keith Huewen questions what Aprilia and Michelin relationship is like after Jorge Martin is ruled out of Thailand GP

Martin’s accident in Sepang caused a stir in the paddock. Marc Marquez labelled the crash as ‘very strange’ as he had found solid grip levels on the circuit.

Aprilia ruled out rider error for the accident, nor did they see an issue with Martin’s bike. Instead, sports director Massimo Rivola blamed MotoGP tyre supplier Michelin.

The tyres brought to Sepang were called into question by Aprilia, with Bezzecchi claiming there were not enough softs for the tests. VR46 chief Alessio Salucci was ‘afraid’ to test due to ‘useless’ tyres in Sepang causing numerous crashes.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend

Michelin’s MotoGP manager Piero Taramasso deflected blame from the tyre supplier. He claimed Martin was outpacing his rivals before he crashed.

With Martin crashing again and missing the first race, the relationship between Michelin and Aprilia is sure to be fractured. MotoGP commentator Keith Huewen is wondering that exact thing.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter) Huewen asked: “How’s the relationship? Michelin/Aprilia/Rivola?”

The ‘particularly troublesome’ issue doctors have found with Jorge Martin’s injuries

Aprilia will be desperate to get Martin back on the track as soon as possible. But doctors have discovered a worrying issue.

Martin has fractured more of his left hand – a ‘particularly troublesome’ issue that could see the champion sidelined for a longer period.

Aprilia had hoped Martin would be fully fit by Jerez, but after this latest setback, that timeline has likely shifted.

Neil Hodgson feels ‘robbed’ by Martin’s Sepang crash as he misses the first race of the 2025 season. The Spaniard has lost so much track time that it will be almost impossible for him to defend his title.

However, Martin may have a ‘get out of jail free card’ with Aprilia. He will not be expected to deliver results immediately or win the title following his injuries.