Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP fans have expressed their fury at Jorge Martin being allowed to take part in the pre-qualifying practice session at the Catalan Grand Prix after sustaining a concussion from a crash in FP1.
Coming off the back of a double victory at last weekend’s French Grand Prix, it didn’t take long for Jorge Martin to plummet back down to earth as he crashed out of FP1 just minutes after the session began.
The 2024 world champion lost control of his Aprilia prototype at turn 12 during the first free practice session of the weekend, and was seen sliding off the race track and into the barriers.
Do MotoGP and all of the riders take concussions seriously enough? 🤕
Jorge Martin is expected to continue competing in the Catalan Grand Prix…
Speaking via Motorsport.com, MotoGP’s chief medical director, Dr Angel Charte, confirmed that Martin sustained a concussion in the incident, but cleared him to take part in the ensuing pre-qualifying practice session.
“The rider is fine,” Charte confirmed. “After the crash, he was slightly concussed at first and had a bruise on his left forearm. But now, after medication, he’s fine. I’ll check on him before he goes out for practice.”
MotoGP’s governing body, the FIM, amended the guidelines for riders who sustain a concussion during a race weekend at the start of the current calendar year.
Due to the severe risks that a concussion poses, the new guidelines stipulate that it is mandatory for any rider who is suspected of having sustained a concussion to be removed from duty for at least 10 days.
- READ MORE: Every 2026 MotoGP rider currently injured and how many races they’ll miss including Marc Marquez
Fans slam MotoGP for allowing Jorge Martin to take part in practice at the Catalan GP
Due to the updated guidelines, fans have slammed MotoGP on social media for allowing Martin to take part in the rest of the Catalan Grand Prix weekend.
Of course, Martin edged himself to just one point behind Marco Bezzecchi in the riders’ standings last weekend, but his status as a title contender should not affect the sport’s concussion protocols.
How important is it for Jorge Martin to stamp out these silly crashes?
The Aprilia ace looked shaken up after his FP1 crash at the Catalan Grand Prix
One fan echoed these sentiments during their critique of the decision. They wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “It’s disgusting how health and safety are being disregarded so often. Yes, he’s in a title fight, but his health is the priority. It’s not even a discussion.”
Another fan highlighted Martin’s reaction to the crash, in which he instantly looked shaken up by the off. They commented, “Clearly a blatant disregard for their own rules.
“We observed his crash and how he responded. Immediate thoughts were concussed. It’s disgraceful if they allow him to continue.”
Rider safety has been a big topic in recent weeks, especially with MotoGP returning to Balaton Park for the Hungarian Grand Prix next month. “MotoGP’s safety protocols being a joke once again,” another fan said.
A separate user shared a similar view, posting, “They’re letting Martin ride with a concussion. MotoGP’s medical clearance is a joke.”
As detailed in the FIM’s guidelines, the incident should be seen as a black-and-white decision, as noted by one fan who wrote, “If he has any sort of concussion, he should be out for the weekend.”
A final fan shared their concerns over Martin’s symptoms potentially causing another incident for the Spaniard, posting, “That’s outrageous! What will happen if he gets dizzy on the motorcycle and hurts himself even more?”
Martin’s result in practice indicated that he was still suffering from his crash in FP1. After setting the second fastest time of the morning session, he finished the day in P17 after suffering another crash in the latter stages of the session.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
