Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has been dealt a significant setback ahead of the 2025 season opener. The Aprilia rider is set to miss the inaugural race at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit after sustaining multiple fractures during a training session in Spain.
Training Accident Leads to Multiple Fractures
On Monday, February 24, 2025, Martin was involved in a crash while training on a supermoto bike at the Menarguens karting circuit in Lleida, Spain. The accident resulted in a complex fracture of the left radius, fractures in several carpal bones, and a fracture of the left calcaneus (heel bone). These injuries are particularly concerning due to their complexity and the potential for extended recovery times.
Aprilia Racing released a statement confirming the injuries:
“Jorge Martin suffered a complex fracture of the radius, some carpal bones on the left side, and an ipsilateral calcaneal fracture during a training session.”
Martin is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday, February 25, at the Dexeus Clinic in Barcelona to stabilize the fractures. The medical team will assess his recovery timeline post-operation.
A Challenging Pre-Season for Martin
This incident compounds an already difficult pre-season for Martin. Earlier this month, during the Sepang pre-season test in Malaysia, he experienced a highside crash that led to fractures in his right hand and left foot. These injuries required surgical intervention and forced him to miss the remainder of the pre-season testing. Consequently, Martin has had limited time to adapt to his new Aprilia RS-GP machine, completing only 90 laps during winter testing, primarily at the post-season Barcelona test in November.
Implications for Aprilia and the MotoGP Season
Martin’s absence from the season opener is a significant blow to both the rider and the Aprilia team. The 27-year-old Spaniard, who clinched the 2024 championship with Pramac Ducati, was poised to make his competitive debut with Aprilia this season. His transition to the new team and machinery was highly anticipated, and his absence raises questions about Aprilia’s performance in the early stages of the championship.
In light of Martin’s unavailability, Aprilia has announced that test rider Lorenzo Savadori will step in for the Thai Grand Prix. Savadori brings experience and familiarity with the RS-GP, having served as the team’s test rider and occasional race participant in previous seasons.
The upcoming Thai Grand Prix, scheduled for this weekend at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, marks the first time since 1984 that a reigning MotoGP champion will miss the opening race of the following season. This development adds an unexpected twist to the start of the 2025 MotoGP season, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape as teams and riders adjust to this unforeseen circumstance.
As the MotoGP community awaits further updates on Martin’s recovery, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how Aprilia and the rest of the grid adapt to this early-season challenge.