Jorge Martin, MotoGP champion, aims to return from injury for the Qatar race on April 12-13, after missing the first two rounds due to injuries from crashes. He stresses the importance of a careful recovery process. In related news, Miguel Oliveira will miss the Austin race due to a shoulder injury, with Augusto Fernandez stepping in as a replacement.
Jorge Martin, the defending MotoGP world champion, has expressed optimism about his return from injury, aiming for the fourth round of this year’s championship. Following two pre-season crashes, he has missed the first two races and has announced he will not participate in the Austin event scheduled for March 29 and 30. The upcoming race at Lusail in Qatar is set for April 12 and 13.
Martin emphasized the importance of ensuring his safety, stating, “I expect to be in Qatar, but only if it doesn’t pose any risks.” He warned against rushing the recovery process, as this could potentially prolong his time away from racing.
His pre-season was severely impacted by a broken right hand and foot, sustained during a crash on the first day of testing in Malaysia. Furthermore, while training on a supermoto bike, Martin encountered another significant crash that resulted in multiple injuries. He detailed these injuries, stating he suffered from broken radius and scaphoid bones in his left wrist, four fractures in his left foot, and muscular damage to his right ribs.
Currently, he trails six-time world champion Marc Marquez by 74 points, with Marquez having won both races and sprints thus far in the season. Martin acknowledged this, mentioning, “Marc winning is not something anyone could not have expected.” Despite the challenges, he conveys a positive outlook on his recovery, indicating, “It was a difficult time but now I start to see the light.”
In related news, the Yamaha-Pramac team has confirmed the absence of rider Miguel Oliveira from the Austin race due to injuries sustained during a crash in Argentina. Portuguese rider Augusto Fernandez has been announced as his replacement. Oliveira suffered a left shoulder injury that resulted in a sternoclavicular dislocation and ligament damage after further assessments in Portugal confirmed the extent of his injuries. Fernandez, the 2022 Moto2 World Champion, previously competed for the GasGas-Tech3 team and is now serving as a reserve rider for Yamaha this year.
In summary, Jorge Martin is hopeful for a return to racing at the upcoming Qatar event, albeit with a cautious approach due to recent injuries. His recovery process remains a priority as he manages multiple fractures and setbacks. As the championship progresses, the absence of other riders such as Miguel Oliveira highlights ongoing challenges within the sport. The situation reflects the unpredictable nature of MotoGP, where injuries can significantly impact performance and standings.
Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com
