Jorge Martin will miss the Thai GP due to a fractured hand sustained while training. This injury follows a prior serious crash during the Sepang test and subsequent surgery. Martin’s absence from the season opener marks a rare instance of a reigning champion missing the start of a season, with Lorenzo Savadori expected to fill in.
Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin is set to miss the upcoming Thai Grand Prix due to a newly sustained injury while training. Reports indicate that Martin suffered a fracture to his left hand on Monday, thwarting his recovery plans after a prior injury that occurred during a pre-season test at Sepang. He underwent surgery for multiple fractures and had limited time on his RS-GP bike this winter, primarily during the November Barcelona test.
Aprilia, Martin’s current team, had anticipated his return for the season opener in Buriram, Thailand, but these hopes have been dashed. Martin’s latest injury will require surgery, and he is currently out indefinitely as a timeline for recovery is determined. Although numerous Spanish reports have surfaced, no official comment has been released by Aprilia regarding the situation.
With Martin unable to participate, this marks the first time a reigning champion has missed the start of the season since Freddie Spencer in 1984. Jorge Martin previously broke barriers by becoming the first rider from an independent team to secure the world title in the modern MotoGP era. Despite considerations for a promotion to Ducati’s factory team, he eventually opted for a two-year factory deal with Aprilia.
In light of Martin’s absence, Aprilia is likely to deploy test rider Lorenzo Savadori. Savadori was already confirmed to stand in for Martin earlier this month, demonstrating the team’s preparedness for this eventuality. As this situation continues to develop, further information will be provided in due course.
In summary, Jorge Martin’s recent training injury has led to his withdrawal from the Thai Grand Prix, marking a significant setback in his efforts to defend his MotoGP championship title. With Aprilia yet to make an official statement, the focus shifts to recovery and management of his condition, while Lorenzo Savadori prepares to take over in his absence. Martin’s case highlights the challenges athletes face in the high-stakes world of motorsport.
Original Source: www.crash.net
