Jorge Martin to be Replaced at Jerez MotoGP

Jorge Martin will be replaced by Lorenzo Savadori at the upcoming Spanish MotoGP as he continues to recover from his latest injury which he suffered on his return in Qatar.

The reigning world champion made his first official start in Aprilia colours under the night lights in Lusail last weekend, but a crash in the Grand Prix saw him hit by the approaching Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Martin received assistance trackside before being transferred to a hospital in Doha, where he was diagnosed with a collapsed lung and multiple rib fractures.

To be exact, Martin suffered a hemopneumothorax which is associated with multiple rib fractures, and as a result his recovery is a wait-and-see type of process. However, the Spaniard has already been ruled out of his home round at Jerez on April 25-27.

A statement from Aprilia said: “The rider's clinical condition is showing a slow but steady improvement following medical examinations at the circuit's medical centre and later at Hamad General Hospital. He is currently under observation as the pleuropulmonary trauma required immediate drainage to allow lung re-expansion. The rib fractures are causing significant pain and are an additional limitation to basic physical activity.

“To date, the situation is being monitored step by step. It is essential that the lung is stably expanded; only then will it be detached from mechanical aspiration and the drainage will remain in place. After a further X-ray check, it will be possible to remove the drainage. Once the safest conditions have been established, an assisted return to Europe will then be organized.”

If you could have explained to someone what the worst start a MotoGP title defence would look like, you would point to Jorge Martin’s ongoing situation and leave it at that.

Martin suffered multiple fractures in a crash during day one of pre-season testing in February at Sepang, before the reigning world champion was hit with a second setback ahead of the Thai GP when he crashed in a training accident and sustained more fractures.

Speaking about his latest recovery, Martin said: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has supported me. These have been difficult days, but now I'm starting to move a bit more and feel better, although the pain is still intense. I'd like to thank Aprilia, my fans and everyone who is helping me. I will continue to fight to be one of the strongest ever.”

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