Jorge Martin, the defending MotoGP champion, hopes to return for the Qatar race after recovering from injuries sustained in pre-season crashes. He confirmed his absence in Austin and emphasized the need for a careful recovery process. Meanwhile, Miguel Oliveira is replaced by Augusto Fernandez following his injury in Argentina.
Jorge Martin, the reigning MotoGP world champion, aspires to return from injuries sustained during two pre-season crashes. He has missed the initial rounds of the championship and confirmed his absence for the upcoming race in Austin, Texas scheduled for March 29 and 30. Looking ahead, he has his sights set on competing in the Lusail race in Qatar on April 12 and 13, conditional on his recovery progress.
In his comments to Gazzetta dello Sport, Martin expressed hope to participate in the Qatar race but noted that health guidelines must be adhered to, stating, “I expect to be in Qatar, but only if it doesn’t pose any risks.” He emphasized the importance of not rushing the recovery process to avoid prolonged setbacks, indicating, “it would be a mistake to rush them which would risk making everything take even longer.”
Martin has faced significant challenges during recovery, having broken his right hand and foot during a crash on the first day of pre-season testing in Malaysia. Following that incident, he encountered a second major crash while training on a supermoto bike, resulting in multiple injuries, including broken bones and muscular injuries. He reported lower body injuries, such as four fractures in his left foot and damage to his left wrist.
Currently, Martin trails competitor Marc Marquez by 74 points, as Marquez has secured victories in both races and sprints in his debut season with a factory Ducati. Despite the competitive pressure, Martin remarked, “Marc winning is not something anyone could not have expected,” while acknowledging that his recovery is progressing, stating, “It was a difficult time but now I start to see the light.”
Meanwhile, the Yamaha-Pramac team reported that Miguel Oliveira will miss the race in Austin due to a left shoulder injury sustained during a crash in Argentina. His recovery revealed a sternoclavicular dislocation combined with ligament damage, prompting the team to name Augusto Fernandez as his replacement. Fernandez, a champion in Moto2, previously competed in MotoGP for two seasons and will now step in as a reserve rider for Yamaha this year.
In conclusion, Jorge Martin aims for a hopeful return to MotoGP in Qatar after enduring significant injuries from crashes. His focus remains on a careful recovery path while he trails behind Marc Marquez in points this season. Additionally, Fernando has stepped in for Oliveira, indicating ongoing changes within the teams as they navigate injuries. Martin’s progress will be closely monitored leading up to the next race, marking a pivotal moment in his season.
Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com
