MARTIN ENDS SEPANG PRACTICE AFTER NEAR CRASH

Jorge Martin’s return to Sepang has added another chapter to his complicated relationship with the circuit—and could have a major bearing on the MotoGP title fight. The Spaniard is attempting to race at the Malaysian Grand Prix just days after fracturing his right forearm in a heavy sprint crash at Phillip Island.

Sepang was where Martin’s partnership with Aprilia suffered an early setback. During his first major test for the team in February 2025, he crashed twice before midday and left Malaysia injured, with his season and title-defence plans in doubt. Now, he is back on the RS-GP, hoping to influence the championship himself rather than watch from the sidelines.

The cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix after the sprint crash gave Martin extra time before the next round. Following further examinations and a final assessment in Sepang, he was cleared to take part. He is wearing a brace on his injured right wrist and must be checked again by MotoGP medical director Dr Charte after Friday’s first practice session.

Martin completed 12 timed laps in FP1, averaging only three fewer than his rivals, but avoided doing more than two fast laps consecutively. He was 1.8 seconds off the pace in the morning and 2.3 seconds adrift in the afternoon. After passing his on-track and medical checks, he appeared set to attempt the afternoon time attack, but a major slide nearly ended in another crash. Martin returned to the garage, and, after consulting Dr Angel Charte, withdrew from the session.

Aprilia said the decision was made to give him more time to recover. Team manager Paolo Bonora said it was a joint call to stop on Friday and reassess on Saturday, adding that a time attack was particularly difficult for Martin and the risk was too high. Bonora said the near-crash did not affect the decision, which was based on Martin’s medical condition. His public appearances were also cancelled. Saturday morning’s FP2, immediately before qualifying, is expected to help determine whether he can race.

Martin’s attempt has drawn support from rivals, including championship leader Marc Marquez. “I’m happy Jorge is here. For the championship situation, it’s better if he rides,” Marquez said. “The rules allow him to try, so he should. For me, it’s clear that if he’s on track, he’ll be fast—also because adrenaline is always the best painkiller.” Marquez set the two fastest times on Friday, despite crashing in the time session without injury.

Martin’s Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi, who also remains in title contention, said he would make the same choice. “He has to try, especially because he’s so close to Marc. I hope he can get through the weekend,” Bezzecchi said.

Fabio Quartararo acknowledged the risk of racing so soon after a fresh fracture, but said the championship stakes leave little room for hesitation. “If you’re still fighting for the title, there isn’t really another option but to try, even though a fresh break after five or six days is not easy,” the Yamaha rider said. “In the end, only Jorge can feel it and know whether it works.”

Pedro Acosta recalled that Martin had dealt with hand problems before, while pursuing his Moto3 title. “I can understand very well why Jorge wants to ride,” Acosta said. “If he manages to race here, then he can come back and fight for victories again.”

Alex Marquez, last year’s Sepang winner and Marc’s brother, said Martin’s presence was understandable given that he is only ten points behind the championship leader. But he was cautious about the injury reports, which had varied over whether one or two bones were broken—or whether there was a fracture at all. “I don’t have the true picture of the injury,” he said. “What I know is that Jorge is brave and will give everything.”

The stakes extend beyond the riders’ championship: with eight rounds remaining, Aprilia leads Ducati by just six points in the manufacturers’ standings. Martin’s fitness and performance in Malaysia could therefore matter to both title battles.