Defending MotoGP champion Jorge Martin aims to return for the Qatar race after suffering injuries in pre-season crashes. He will miss the Austin race and emphasizes a cautious recovery approach. Other developments include Miguel Oliveira’s injury, leading to Augusto Fernandez’s replacement.
Jorge Martin, the reigning MotoGP world champion, expressed optimism about returning from injury in time for the fourth round of the championship in Qatar. Having missed the first two races due to complications from crashes during pre-season training, Martin will not race in Austin, Texas, on March 29 and 30. He hopes to compete at Lusail, Qatar, on April 12 and 13, provided it is safe for him to do so.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Martin stated, “I expect to be in Qatar, but only if it doesn’t pose any risks.” He emphasized the importance of adhering to recovery timelines, noting, “It would be a mistake to rush them which would risk making everything take even longer.” Martin’s injuries include a broken right hand and foot from a crash in Malaysia, as well as further injuries sustained in a subsequent training accident.
The injuries he has sustained comprise broken radius and scaphoid bones in his left wrist, four fractures in his left foot, and muscular injuries in his right ribs. This puts him at a 74-point disadvantage behind six-time world champion Marc Marquez, who leads with victories in all races thus far this season.
Despite setbacks, Martin has conveyed hope regarding his recovery, sharing on social media, “It was a difficult time but now I start to see the light.” Additionally, the Yamaha-Pramac team announced that Miguel Oliveira will miss the Austin race due to a shoulder injury, with Augusto Fernandez stepping in as a substitute. The team confirmed Oliveira’s diagnosis included a sternoclavicular dislocation with ligament damage following his crash in Argentina.
Jorge Martin remains hopeful about his return to competition in MotoGP as he recovers from significant injuries sustained during pre-season training. His commitment to careful recovery highlights the challenges faced by athletes in high-stakes sports. The ongoing situation with fellow competitors, such as Miguel Oliveira, further exemplifies the physical demands of motorcycle racing.
Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com
