Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin is set for another extended period on the sidelines after suffering more injuries on his MotoGP return in Qatar.
It has been a torrid title defence and debut season at Aprilia for the Spaniard. He missed all of pre-season and the first three rounds of 2025 with numerous fractures to his hands and feet.
After crashing on day one of testing in Malaysia, Martin suffered a motocross accident during his recovery. The 27-year-old broke the scaphoid in his left hand, which is a problematic injury with the limited blood flow.
He made his return to MotoGP at the Qatar Grand Prix, with his struggles abundantly clear. Martin needed help putting his helmet on due to the soreness in his left hand – he also could not have a natural position on the bike.
Expectations were low for the Spaniard’s return, but it turned out to be a nightmare. During Sunday’s race, he collided with Fabio Di Giannantonio, suffering 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung after being hit by the VR46 rider.
Di Giannantonio went straight to the Aprilia garage after the race to check if Martin was OK. The Italian was visibly shaken by the accident as the defending champion was taken to hospital.
Carlos Sainz’s message to Jorge Martin after posting an encouraging injury update
The severity of the Aprilia rider’s injuries makes for another long recovery. Martin cannot fly back home due to his punctured lung, leaving him in Qatar to recuperate, unless they can arrange a low-altitude flight to get him back to Spain.
Martin is slowly on the mend, however, with him recently being discharged from hospital. With his girlfriend by his side, the timeline for the Spaniard’s recovery is not known.
But it most definitely ruins any chance of Martin being competitive in 2025. Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Marc Marquez already has 123 points after the opening four rounds.
Several riders and key figures have come to support the 27-year-old. Jorge Lorenzo sent an emotional message to Martin, stressing that everyone has been through something similar in the sport.
The Aprilia rider also received support from the world of Formula 1. Ferrari legend Jean Alesi has been in touch to offer encouragement to Martin.
Under his latest post on Instagram, another former Ferrari driver shared a message to Martin. Fellow compatriot Carlos Sainz, now racing for Williams, wrote in Spanish: “Animo Jorge!” which translates to: ‘Courage Jorge!’
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
MotoGP legend Max Biaggi offers advice to Jorge Martin following latest injuries
The 2024 MotoGP champion will be keen to get back to his best. Doctor Angel Charte says Martin feels ‘very encouraged’ in hospital as he looks to make a comeback.
But the Spaniard will have to bid his time. Marquez has urged Martin not to be rash in his recovery – the Ducati rider knows from experience, having suffered years of torment after breaking his arm at Jerez in 2020.
Former MotoGP rider Max Biaggi, who won six motorcycle Grand Prix world championships – although never in the premier class – also offered words of wisdom to Martin.
Writing in the comments of his Instagram post, Biaggi urged the Spaniard to be patient: “Take the time you need and come back stronger than before.”
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