Martin cleared for opening Sepang practice after wrist fracture
The Aprilia rider needs another medical assessment after FP1, with championship leader Marc Marquez 10 points ahead.
Aprilia Racing’s Jorge Martin has been given permission to ride in the opening practice session at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia in Sepang, despite a fractured wrist. His clearance does not extend beyond FP1 without a further medical assessment.
Martin suffered the injury in a crash while battling Marc Marquez in the Phillip Island sprint. The 2024 world champion chose not to travel back to Spain for treatment because he wanted to compete at Sepang. He trails Ducati Lenovo’s Marquez by 10 points, while Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi is third, 50 points behind the leader.
Speaking at a Sepang press conference, Marquez welcomed Martin’s presence and said he trusted the medical protocols used to determine whether riders could safely compete. Bezzecchi said he would also have attempted to race in Martin’s circumstances and expected his teammate to be quick if he felt well.
Bezzecchi played down his title prospects despite Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi suggesting he could win every remaining race this season. He stressed the size of the 50-point gap and the uncertainty of racing. Bezzecchi has yet to record a Sepang podium, while Martin took the sprint victory and finished second in the main race there in 2024.
