Jorge Martin, the reigning MotoGP champion, had a rough start to the 2025 season during the first day of official testing at the Sepang International Circuit. The Spanish rider was involved in a serious incident as he lost control of his Aprilia bike, resulting in being thrown off and crashing violently onto the asphalt. This accident has left him facing multiple fractures, including one at the 5th metacarpal of his right hand and three fractures (3rd, 4th, and 5th metatarsals) to his left foot.
According to official communications from Aprilia, Martin underwent several medical assessments including CT and MRI scans, all of which thankfully returned negative results, ruling out more severe head injuries related to the diagnosed concussion. Nonetheless, the fractures he sustained will necessitate surgical intervention. After securing hospital care overnight, he is scheduled to fly back to Europe the following day to undergo operations on his hand and foot.
Jorge Martin shared his feelings about the unfortunate event on his Instagram account, stating, “Not the best start, but ‘Martinator’ will always come back stronger.” This sentiment reflects the driver’s typical resilience and his commitment to return to the track after recovery. Fellow riders and fans alike have rallied around Martin, hoping for his swift recovery as anticipation now builds for the upcoming race season.
Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, provided updates on Martin’s condition during an interview. He highlighted the necessity of maintaining observation for at least 24 hours due to standard procedures following any concussion. Rivola expressed hope, noting, “All tests, including CT and MRI, are negative, which is positive.” He acknowledged the logistics of the situation, saying, “The fractures are composed, and we hope to shorten the recovery time, even though it appears challenging for Martin to participate in the upcoming tests. We will aim to monitor his progress closely. He has shown determination to return swiftly, reflecting how important this initial phase is for him and the team.”
This incident poses significant challenges for the Aprilia team, especially as 2025 brings notable changes, including Martin’s recent switch from Ducati. Rivola spoke candidly about the difficulties they face, mentioning how the timing of Martin’s injury couldn’t be worse, particularly with the team restructuring. “It is honestly the worst time for such injuries, especially when there are drastic changes within the team dynamics,” Rivola said, discussing the impact it has on performance evaluations and plans for the season.
