Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin is back in the MotoGP paddock at this weekend’s Grand Prix of the Americas. While he’s not yet fit to ride, he’ll visit his Aprilia team in Austin.
Lorenzo Savadori is nursing an injury of his own after the Argentina GP, but he continues to deputise for the world champion. Martin is hopeful of a comeback in Qatar in a fortnight’s time.
The Spaniard appeared virtually in the press conference at Termas de Rio Hondo, but now he’ll see his fellow riders in the flesh for the first time since his Sepang Test crash. That accident forced Martin to undergo surgery, and a further procedure was required another another accident at the end of the month.
MotoGP doctors stopped Martin going to Argentina, but he’s now had the all-clear to travel from Europe to the United States. He documented his recovery in a vlog this week.
Martin has never finished on the Grand Prix podium at the Circuit of the Americas as a MotoGP rider, but has been third in both Sprint races at the venue to date. Aprilia denied Ducati a perfect season, with Maverick Vinales taking victory.
Jorge Martin’s Americas Grand Prix cameo was supposed to be a surprise for Aprilia
Martin shattered Aprilia’s pre-season optimism on day one of testing, though the root cause of his violent highside is still unclear. The team are sitting eighth in the championship ahead of this weekend’s events, with Marco Bezzecchi responsible for all 14 of their points.
According to Spanish journalist German Garcia Casanova, Martin wanted to lift his team’s spirits with a ‘surprise’, unannounced appearance. But that plan was foiled.
Instead, the news of his impending arrival was ‘leaked’ on Thursday, which may disappoint the 27-year-old. Aprilia staff will still appreciate his presence.
Martin proved that he was a ‘leader’ after his first day of testing for his new team last November. At the end of his debrief, he gave an ‘amazing’ speech that touched technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini.
Jorge Martin had one scary concern after his winter accidents
Aprilia still doubt whether Martin will return in Qatar for round four. With any championship hopes already extinguished, there’s a desire to be cautious and counter the risk of aggravation.
Still, by travelling to Texas, Martin may be trying to set up his comeback. He recently opened up on the psychological toll of his injuries.
Martin was unsure whether he could ever ride again in one particularly dark moment. And even if he could, would he recover his best form?
Massimo Rivola has been pushing for his superstar rider to be granted a test session where he can gauge his strength levels. This isn’t currently permitted under the concessions rules, and it looks as if Aprilia’s proposal will fail.
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