The brutal reality of MotoGP racing continues to haunt Jorge Martin, as the Aprilia rider faces further recovery after two additional surgeries for lingering injuries. This setback means the highly anticipated Sepang MotoGP test will almost certainly proceed without one of its biggest stars.
Key Points:
- Jorge Martin has undergone two more surgeries to correct persistent injuries to his left hand scaphoid bone and right collarbone.
- He is expected to miss the critical Sepang pre-season test from February 3-5.
- Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori will step in to cover Martin's duties at Sepang.
- Martin is targeting a full return to action for the second official test in Buriram later in February.
Martin's Persistent Injury Battle Continues
Jorge Martin's quest for full fitness has taken another difficult turn. The Aprilia factory rider recently went under the knife twice to address injuries that have plagued him since last season. The first procedure targeted his left hand's scaphoid bone, an injury sustained way back in February last year. The second corrected his right collarbone, fractured during the Japanese Grand Prix sprint race on September 27.
While both injuries were initially treated last year, Martin never felt truly 100% physically. Despite returning to the track, the nagging discomfort prompted further medical evaluations, leading to the decision for these corrective surgeries. He hasn't ridden his Aprilia machine since the Valencia test last November, focusing instead on intensive physical rehabilitation.
Sepang Setback: Savadori Steps Up
This latest development means Jorge Martin will almost certainly be absent from the crucial first official MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang International Circuit (February 3-5). Missing such a vital testing window is a significant blow, especially as teams fine-tune their RS-GP26 machines for the upcoming season.
However, Martin is still expected to travel to Malaysia. He will likely be present with the Aprilia team in the garage, observing the progress and taking part in the MotoGP season launch event in Kuala Lumpur on February 6-7 – an event he sadly missed last year due to injury. Filling his shoes on track will be Aprilia's reliable test and development rider, Lorenzo Savadori, who has extensive experience stepping in during past race weekends.
Road to Recovery: Buriram Comeback Target
The focus for Jorge Martin is now firmly on a complete and robust recovery. His sights are set on the second pre-season test, scheduled for February 21-22 in Buriram. This event provides his last opportunity to get significant track time before the MotoGP season officially kicks off with the Thai Grand Prix on March 1.
Last year was particularly challenging for Martin, who endured four surgeries and only managed to finish four of the 22 races due to a litany of physical ailments. This season, the hope is that these latest corrective procedures will finally allow him to compete at his peak, free from the shadow of injury.
