Aprilia rider Jorge Martin was forced to withdraw from the Japanese Grand Prix after suffering a fractured collarbone during the sprint race’s opening lap. The incident occurred at the Motegi circuit when Martin, starting 17th on the grid, was squeezed by other riders and collided with Fermin Aldegeur’s Gresini Ducati, leading to a crash involving his teammate Marco Bezzecchi.
The crash resulted in both riders sliding into the gravel, immediately halting their races. Medical staff quickly attended to Martin, who was taken to the circuit’s medical centre for evaluation, where x-rays revealed a displaced fracture in his right collarbone.
Medical Response and Ongoing Assessments for Martin and Bezzecchi
Following initial checks, Martin was transferred by helicopter to Dokkyo Medical University Hospital near Motegi to undergo a CT scan for in-depth assessment. This evaluation will determine the best course of action, possibly including surgery at Dexeus University Hospital. Aprilia confirmed Martin’s status is stable but noted that he was sedated due to pain from the injury.
Bezzecchi is also undergoing medical evaluation for a severe bruise on the abductor muscle of his right leg, although doctors ruled out any serious injury beyond pain and recommended rehabilitation and anti-inflammatory treatment.
“Jorge Martin has undergone medical examinations at the circuit medical centre,”
the team stated.
“The X-rays revealed a displaced fracture of the right collarbone. The rider will be transferred by helicopter to the Dokkyo Medical University Hospital for a CT scan to make the best assessment of the situation.”
“Marco Bezzecchi has a severe contusion on the abductor muscle of his right leg, but it does not involve any pathology other than the pain he may be experiencing. We will treat him with rehabilitation, anti-inflammatories, and little else,”
MotoGP doctor Angel Charte explained.
“He is conscious, stable, everything is fine. He is a little sedated because of the pain. After the CT scan, we will decide whether surgery is necessary, which will probably be performed at the Dexeus University Hospital.”
Martin’s Challenging Season and Uncertain Recovery Timeline
This injury adds to an already difficult season for Jorge Martin, the reigning MotoGP champion. Since joining the Noale factory team, Martin has struggled with multiple crashes and injuries that have sidelined him for significant periods. His first accident happened during pre-season testing in Sepang, followed by another crash while preparing for the Thailand Grand Prix.
He finally made his racing return at the Qatar Grand Prix, only to crash again in a collision with VR46 Ducati’s Fabio di Giannantonio. That incident caused broken ribs and a lung injury, forcing Martin to miss several races before returning in July at the Czech Grand Prix.
It remains uncertain how long Martin will be out of action after this latest collarbone fracture, leaving questions over his availability for upcoming rounds in the MotoGP calendar.
