Jorge Martin after heavy crash: 'I'm alive, that's the most important thing!'
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Aprilia rider Jorge Martin has broken his silence following his violent crash during the MotoGP Australian Grand Prix Sprint. The Spaniard confirmed he is heading to Melbourne for further medical examinations on a fractured wrist.
Martin arrived at Phillip Island leading the championship standings by two points over Ducati's Marc Marquez. Starting from fourth on the grid in the 13-lap sprint, he made a lightning start to slot into second and immediately engaged Marquez in a fierce battle for the lead.
However, Martin lost control of his bike through the high-speed Turn 8 right-hander on lap eight. Following a violent tumble through the gravel trap, the Spaniard had to be stretchered off by the trackside marshals.
Assessments at the circuit's medical centre confirmed a fracture to his right radius alongside a suspected fracture to the distal end of the ulna. The injury immediately ruled Martin out of Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, dealing a major blow to his world championship title hopes.
"Following his crash, Jorge Martin was transferred to the circuit medical centre. X-rays revealed a fracture of the right radius and a suspected distal fracture of the right ulna. Further examinations are required to fully assess his condition. Martin has been declared unfit for tomorrow's race," Aprilia said in an official statement.
Speaking to the media, the rider opted against discussing the title implications, emphasizing that avoiding serious harm was what mattered most.
"I'm okay, I'm alive – that's what matters most. I'm just glad nothing worse happened. It seems to be just a small bone, so I can take some comfort from that. It was a really heavy crash and it's a huge shame, but the main thing is being in one piece after such a dangerous fall. Now I'm heading to Melbourne for further checks to see how we proceed in the coming days," Martin said.
Aprilia have yet to confirm Martin's recovery timeline, but his participation in next weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix remains a major doubt. Australia kick-started an intense triple-header including Malaysia and Qatar, which are set to decide the title fight in the final stretch of the season.
With his Sprint victory, Marc Marquez reclaimed the championship lead and now holds a 10-point advantage over Martin.
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