Marco Bezzecchi
The crash between Raul Fernandez and Jorge Martin seemed to be the latest infraction in a decade-long rivalry.
Fernandez and Martin crashed during the second restart of the Catalan Grand Prix, delivering a big blow to Aprilia as two of their riders took each other out.
Massimo Rivola admonished Trackhouse chief Davide Brivio after the race, as he was not happy with Fernandez’s errant move against Martin.
Did Massimo Rivola have every right to be annoyed with Davide Brivio after Jorge Martin’s crash?
The Aprilia rider was taken out by Fernandez after the third restart
Fernandez seemed to blame Martin for the incident, which suggested that the two riders still had some tension even after the race.
But it appears the issues between Raul Fernandez and Jorge Martin date back nearly a decade, as both riders have had a long-standing rivalry with each other.
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Raul Fernandez’s crash with Jorge Martin was the latest chapter in a decade-long ‘incredible’ rivalry
According to former LCR sporting director Oscar Haro, Raul Fernandez and Jorge Martin have not liked each other for a very long time.
Haro told Nico Abad that Fernandez would vehemently avoid Martin during their days together as motocross riders, even insisting on leaving a track if Martin was also there.
“They’ve never been friends… When I used to take Raul Fernandez motocrossing, if Jorge was going, he didn’t want to go. And I’m talking about when they were 14 or 15 years old.
“We’d arrive at a track, and if Jorge Martin was there, he’d tell me we had to leave. Even though Jorge was a bit older and on other teams, they had an incredible rivalry.”
This tidbit from Haro provides a lot more context to the animosity between the two riders over the weekend and explains why Martin didn’t check on Fernandez after their crash.
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Jorge Martin’s frustration after Catalan GP crash was clear for all to see
After the crash, Martin was understandably frustrated about the situation, especially as it cost him the chance to take the lead in the championship battle against Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi.
However, in his frustration, Martin shoved Aprilia chief Paolo Bonora. This action was criticised by several fans, even after the Spanish rider apologised for how he handled the situation.
But after Martin’s dangerous crash during Barcelona testing, the larger concern is, undoubtedly, for his health and safety.
Martin didn’t suffer any fractures in the crash, but there is no word on the nature of any injuries he might have sustained.
Hopefully, Jorge Martin can make a quick and full recovery and return to the track to continue his exciting title fight with Bezzecchi.
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