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Jorge Martin is fighting to recover from a wrist fracture in time for the Malaysian Grand Prix as his intense battle for the MotoGP world title continues. The injury occurred during a sprint crash at the Australian Grand Prix while he was duelling with the reigning champion.
Injury Assessment and Relief from Weather
Martin’s fall at Phillip Island’s Turn 8 initially raised fears that his championship ambitions were over and that he might have suffered a second fracture to the ulna in his right arm. However, a CT scan at a Melbourne clinic on Saturday night confirmed that the radius fracture was non-displaced and ruled out surgery, sparing him a trip back to Spain.
Bad weather also provided an unexpected reprieve by forcing the cancellation of the main race at Phillip Island. Because the championship medical team had already declared him unfit to compete, the cancellation prevented Marc Marquez from extending his championship lead. Marquez currently leads Martin by 10 points, with Marco Bezzecchi 50 points behind in third place.
Recovery Protocol and Treatment Plan
Buoyed by these developments, the 2024 world champion is determined to compete in Malaysia next weekend to chase a second premier-class crown. Martin traveled from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur, where a trusted physiotherapist met him to begin a recovery plan designed by Aitor Tomas, the physiotherapist for Playmaker agency.
Tomas told Autosport that the recovery process is divided into two phases. The first phase focuses on reducing swelling, addressing bone injury effects, and restoring mobility, strength, and functionality using cryotherapy and manual therapy. Magnetotherapy systems will also be used to promote bone regeneration and strength.
Tomas explained that if Martin is cleared to ride, a different protocol will be implemented. “In that case, we’ll concentrate on the wrist, trying to minimise the swelling as much as possible, alongside pain-management therapy,” Tomas told Autosport.
Challenges Ahead in Sepang
A decision on whether Martin will use painkiller injections will depend on his physical response after riding the Aprilia RS-GP. Additionally, Alpinestars will modify his right glove fastener to avoid irritation, and his physiotherapist will apply elastic therapeutic tape to the injured area.
Martin will spend Monday through Thursday focused entirely on recovery and rest before reporting to the circuit on Thursday midday. The championship medical team will evaluate his physical condition to decide whether he can participate in Friday’s opening free practice session, with another assessment usually following that session.
Those close to the rider emphasize caution due to the demanding nature of the right wrist, which controls the throttle, operates the front brake, and supports the rider’s weight during acceleration and braking. The high heat and humidity at Sepang will add to the physical demands.
Aprilia supports its rider’s efforts to compete while maintaining a cautious stance. “We’ll have to take it day by day and see how Jorge feels as the hours and days go by. We’re supporting him, but we know these situations are extremely complicated,” an Aprilia spokesperson told Autosport.
“Nobody needs to tell him what is at stake, because he knows perfectly well. That’s why we’re not putting any pressure on him whatsoever. Whatever he decides will be the right decision for us. In situations like this, health comes first,” the team spokesperson added to Autosport.
