Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martín of Aprilia will miss the season-opening Thai Grand Prix after sustaining multiple fractures to his left hand during practice. Martín, as confirmed by MotoGP organizers and his team, has suffered serious injuries requiring surgical intervention.
The accident occurred as Martín was training, following another recent injury sustained during the pre-season tests at Sepang, where he faced complications from injuries related to his right hand and left foot. These latest injuries to his left hand include fractures to the distal radius, scaphoid, and multiple carpal bones, rendering him unable to compete as the championship kicks off.
On February 24, MotoGP announced, "Jorge Martín (Aprilia Racing) has been confirmed as absent for the Grand Prix of Thailand after suffering fractures to his left hand during training before the season's start." This is particularly disheartening news as the young champion, who recently claimed his first MotoGP title, was aiming to make a strong comeback.
Martín had previously undergone surgery earlier this month to manage injuries from another incident at the same track during testing sessions, which made the lead-up to this year’s opening race incredibly challenging. The Madrid-born rider will be operated on again on Tuesday at the Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona.
"After evaluation, the primary goal of Tuesday's operation will be to stabilize the fractures to the radius and scaphoid," stated Aprilia Racing's medical report. The concern now shifts to his recovery timeline, which the team emphasizes can only be determined after the medical procedure.
The team has already announced the selection of Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia's test rider, to replace Martín during the Thai Grand Prix. Savadori's participation is expected to provide some continuity for the team, which had planned to rely heavily on Martín’s performance during the season.
Martín, ambitious and determined, is said to be hopeful about potentially returning for the second race of the season at Termas de Río Hondo, Argentina, on March 16. Nevertheless, concerns linger as standard recovery times for these types of injuries could extend up to three months.
"The road to recovery is going to be long and challenging with the team changing riders at such junctures," said one of his team colleagues, emphasizing the volatility of racing dynamics. Without sufficient quality practice time, Martín’s ability to adapt to his Aprilia RS-GP 2025 remains highly questionable.
With the MotoGP championship having transformed significantly over the past few seasons, competitors like Ducati have emerged as formidable threats. This makes Martín's absence during the opening races particularly impactful, as his rival peers gear up to set the tone for the season.
Leadership at Aprilia is concerned about the ramifications of this setback. Marco Bezzecchi, who will ride alongside Savadori, expressed his disappointment over Martín's accident, highlighting the strong team chemistry built during previous seasons.
The overall sentiment projected by the team rests on not just immediate performance but the long-term goal of maintaining momentum through unforeseen circumstances. With injuries taking center stage, there is growing interest from fans and analysts to monitor how the dynamics play out across the MotoGP paddock.
The 2025 season promises to be one of the most competitive, and as teams adjust their lineups, the stakes are higher than ever for Aprilia and its star rider. Martín's determination to reclaim his position may well be the narrative to watch, as recovery progresses. His absence at this stage may not only cost him points but could also impact championship aspirations for the entire Aprilia team.
Despite this harrowing turn of events, the resolve among the MotoGP community runs deep, as fans rally behind Martín, wishing him well as he faces yet another hurdle on his racing career. The road back may be steep, but the support from both fans and fellow riders remains unwavering.