Jorge Martin Aims for Qatar Return Amidst Injury Challenges

Jorge Martin, the defending MotoGP champion, aims to return from injuries for the Qatar race after missing the first two rounds. He emphasized the necessity of a careful recovery process to avoid prolonging his injuries. Meanwhile, Miguel Oliveira’s injury has led to Augusto Fernandez replacing him in the upcoming Austin race.

Defending MotoGP champion Jorge Martin has expressed his hope to return to racing at the upcoming Lusail event in Qatar, set for April 12 and 13. The rider, who has missed the initial rounds of the championship due to injuries sustained from two pre-season crashes, announced he will not participate in the Austin race on March 29 and 30, acknowledging it is crucial to prioritize his health during recovery.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Martin emphasized the importance of not rushing his comeback, stating, “these are the timelines, and it would be a mistake to rush them,” as doing so could prolong his recovery process. He suffered significant injuries, including broken bones in his wrist and foot, as well as muscle injuries in his ribs, primarily from a crash during a pre-season test in Malaysia.

On social media, Martin detailed the extent of his injuries, mentioning a subsequent crash while training on a supermoto bike. He currently trails six-time world champion Marc Marquez by 74 points, further underscoring the urgency of his recovery. Conducting assessments on his progress, he remarked, “It was a difficult time but now I start to see the light.”

In another development, the Yamaha-Pramac team has announced that Miguel Oliveira will be replaced by Augusto Fernandez for the Austin race due to Oliveira’s left shoulder injury sustained during a Sprint Race in Argentina. After examinations in Portugal revealed a sternoclavicular dislocation with ligament damage, Oliveira’s team confirmed he would return home for recovery. Fernandez, the 2022 Moto2 World Champion, will step in to fill the void during Oliveira’s absence.

In summary, Jorge Martin remains optimistic about his return to MotoGP, emphasizing the importance of proper recovery from his injuries sustained during pre-season training. His progress is being monitored, and he is hopeful for a comeback in Qatar. Additionally, the Yamaha-Pramac team faces challenges with Miguel Oliveira’s injury, adjusting their lineup with Augusto Fernandez stepping in. The dynamics within the championship continue to evolve as riders navigate injuries and performance challenges.

Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com