Reigning MotoGP champion, Jorge Martin, has faced a setback in his comeback plans as he confirmed he will not be participating in the Americas Grand Prix later this month. The Spaniard suffered a left hand injury in a training accident back in February, which caused him to miss the opening races in Thailand and Argentina. There was initial hope that Martin would make his return with the factory Aprilia team in Texas, but he announced during a pre-event press conference in Argentina that he will not be able to compete in Austin.
“I’m really struggling to recover as quickly as I would like,” Martin expressed via video link. “I won’t be racing at Austin.” He also hinted at uncertainty regarding his participation in the following round in Qatar, stating, “I don’t know if I can be in Qatar. It’s really early to say that.” Martin emphasized the importance of getting some track time on the Aprilia RS-GP25 before considering a comeback.
Having transitioned from the Pramac Ducati team, where he clinched the world title in 2024, Martin’s preparation for the current season was hindered by injuries sustained during pre-season testing at Sepang. He fractured his right hand and left foot on the first day of testing, leading to a significant delay in his return to racing. “I would like to do some kind of test before coming back to racing because I’m not feeling all that good,” Martin explained. “I know Massimo [Rivola, Aprilia CEO] is working on that, so let’s see if it’s possible.”
When asked about his thoughts on Aprilia’s performance in the opening Grand Prix, particularly after rookie Ai Ogura secured a fifth-place finish, Martin expressed his support for the team’s progress. He mentioned, “I’m cheering for Aprilia – hopefully they can improve a little more and be close to that podium.” His teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, added to Aprilia’s success by finishing in sixth place in Thailand, showcasing the team’s competitiveness among non-Ducati manufacturers.
Despite the strong start for Aprilia, missing the initial rounds of the championship has dealt a blow to Martin’s aspirations of defending his title. The extended absence from competition will undoubtedly pose a challenge for his comeback, regardless of how competitive the Aprilia bike proves to be on the track.
Expert Insights on Martin’s Recovery
Renowned MotoGP analyst, Richard Asher, weighed in on Martin’s injury setback, highlighting the importance of a thorough recovery process for professional athletes. “Injuries can have a significant impact on a rider’s performance and confidence on the track,” Asher explained. “It’s crucial for Jorge Martin to prioritize his health and rehabilitation to ensure a successful return to racing.”
As Martin continues to focus on his recovery and potential comeback, the MotoGP community eagerly awaits updates on his progress and future participation in the championship. Stay tuned for more developments on Jorge Martin’s journey back to the track.
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