Jorge Martin, the reigning MotoGP champion, will not compete in the upcoming Argentina GP due to injuries sustained during training. His recovery from a serious hand fracture is progressing slowly, and he is also ruled out for the Thai GP. His return is uncertain, pending fitness tests ahead of the US GP in Austin on March 30.
Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has been officially withdrawn from the Argentina Grand Prix following a hand injury sustained during training. Doctor Angel Charte confirmed that Martin’s recovery from a left hand fracture has been notably slow, necessitating his absence from the race scheduled for March 14-16, after he was previously sidelined from the season opener in Thailand. Consequently, Martin’s anticipated debut with Aprilia will be delayed until at least the third round at the US GP in Austin on March 30.
Charte expressed that Martin remains positive despite the setbacks, stating, “Martin is in high spirits. As always, he is a very vital man.” He underscored the importance of the scaphoid healing correctly, warning against potential long-term consequences should the recovery not proceed as expected. Discussions between Charte, Dr. Xavier Mir, and Martin confirmed that he would not participate in events in Thailand or Argentina, with further evaluations planned before Austin.
The injury comes after a series of accidents for Martin while preparing for the new season. He initially fractured his right hand and left foot during a highside crash on February 5 during testing in Malaysia. Although he returned to Barcelona for surgery on his right hand, he suffered another setback when he broke his left hand in a supermoto training incident shortly before traveling to Thailand. The surgical intervention for the latest injury includes complex fractures to various bones, confirming his unavailability for the upcoming races.
Martin’s readiness for the US GP will be contingent upon successfully passing the required fitness tests, leaving uncertainty surrounding his return to competitive racing. His participation is crucial for both his championship title defense and Aprilia’s performance in the series.
In summary, Jorge Martin, the reigning MotoGP champion, faces a challenging start to the season due to injuries sustained during training, resulting in his absence from both the Thailand and Argentina Grands Prix. His recovery remains paramount, as his participation in future races, including the US GP, hinges on meeting fitness requirements. The situation highlights the unpredictability of racing and the significance of athlete safety.
Original Source: www.motorsport.com
