Jorge Martin to Miss Argentine MotoGP Due to Injuries

Jorge Martin will not race in the Argentine MotoGP as he recovers from fractures in both hands and his left foot. Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola emphasized the importance of Martin’s health and recovery, indicating he will only return when fully fit. Meanwhile, Rivola is optimistic about the team’s performance with riders Marco Bezzecchi and Lorenzo Savadori during Martin’s absence.

Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has announced that the reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin will not participate in the upcoming Argentine MotoGP, scheduled for March 14-16. Martin has sustained significant injuries, including fractures to both hands and his left foot, rendering him unfit for competition. Rivola expressed disappointment in starting the season without Martin, emphasizing a long-term approach to his recovery while focusing on current team members Marco Bezzecchi and test rider Lorenzo Savadori.

Rivola confirmed that Martin remains in recovery and stressed that there is no rush for him to return until he is fully fit. “The situation of the left hand is not good at the moment,” he noted, highlighting that while surgery was successful, Martin’s health must remain the priority. Rivola reaffirmed, “He will only come back when he’s really fit. We don’t want to risk his condition at all.”

Having made history as the first Independent rider to win the MotoGP title with Pramac Ducati, Martin’s transition to Aprilia has been tumultuous. After a promising yet brief debut test with the team, he suffered multiple fractures during pre-season tests and subsequent training incidents. These accidents underscore the difficulties he has faced so far this season, including a recent crash during a supermoto training session that resulted in additional injuries requiring surgery.

Despite the setbacks, Rivola described Martin as a fighter, stating, “He’s a fighter, he is a gladiator. I’m sure he’s thinking about racing tomorrow.” He also acknowledged the importance of Martin’s psychological state amid his recovery, indicating that while the racer is eager to compete, his health must come first. Rivola has ruled out any bans on supermoto training, asserting that riders typically understand their limits when preparing for races.

The earliest opportunity for Martin to return to his RS-GP motorcycle is anticipated at the COTA event in Texas from March 28-30, where Aprilia achieved its only grand prix victory of the previous season. As the team navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that Martin is fully prepared for future competitions without compromising his recovery.

In summary, Jorge Martin will miss the Argentine MotoGP due to injuries sustained prior to the season. Aprilia’s CEO, Massimo Rivola, is prioritizing Martin’s health and recovery, indicating that he will return only when fit. Despite the disappointment of starting the season without their champion, Rivola remains optimistic about the team’s prospects this season with the new riders.

Original Source: www.crash.net