Jorge Martin will spend a fourth MotoGP event on the sidelines after doctors advised him to sit out Round 6 of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship season, the Italian MotoGP at Mugello.
The Spaniard, one of three rookies on the 2021 MotoGP grid, suffered a series of fractures when he crashed during FP3 at Portimao. Coming down at Turn 7, Martin’s aggressive tumble through the gravel trap led to the injuries and a prolonged period out of action./
While he was hoping to be back on the Pramac Ducati for this weekend’s Tuscany event, Martin will instead aim for Round 7 in Catalunya-Barcelona.
With Tito Rsbat, Martin’s deputy for the Spanish and French MotoGPs, committed to the opening round of the 2021 WorldSBK Championship from this weekend, Ducati has instead recalled experienced test rider Michele Pirro to make a return to action.
Though he hasn’t competed in MotoGP full-time since 2012, Pirro regularly makes wild-card appearances over a season with Ducati. He took in two races for Pramac as a replacement for the injured Pecco Bagnaia.
“After listening to the opinions and the reflections made by the doctors, Jorge Martin will return in time for the Catalunya Grand Prix,” read a team statement.
“The conditions of the Spanish rider are without a doubt improving, but for him to return in time for Mugello does not seem to be the best choice due to how tough and demanding that circuit is.”
Though he has only started two MotoGP races so far, Martin has already stolen headlines with his pole position, long stint in the lead and eventual third place finish during Round 2 in Qatar.
