Jorge Martin injury update after Qatar MotoGP crash

Aprilia confirms Jorge Martin’s condition is improving following Qatar Grand Prix inafters.

Jorge Martin of Spain takes part in the pre-event press conference ahead of the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, north of Doha, on April 10, 2025. Photo by Karim Jaafar/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin is making a “slow but steady” recovery after a brutal crash during the Qatar Grand Prix, his Aprilia team confirmed on Thursday. The Jorge Martin injury update comes as the Spanish rider remains under medical observation due to serious chest trauma that includes broken ribs and a haemopneumothorax—a painful combination of blood and air in the pleural cavity surrounding his lungs.

Martin’s crash at Lusail, which occurred shortly after the halfway mark of Sunday’s race, ended his much-anticipated season debut on a devastating note. The 27-year-old slid out of contention and was then inadvertently struck by fellow rider Fabio Di Giannantonio, compounding the injuries and casting immediate doubt over his participation in upcoming races.

A season that never had a chance to begin

Martin had already endured a difficult pre-season, with injuries hampering his preparations. After joining Aprilia from Ducati-Pramac in the off-season, expectations were sky-high for the Spanish star to launch a strong title defense. But the season has unraveled before it could even begin in earnest.

He missed the first three rounds of the 2025 MotoGP season due to injuries sustained during testing in Sepang. A crash there required surgery in early February. That was followed by another incident just days before the opening round in Thailand, leading to a second surgery—this time on his left hand.

Despite these setbacks, Martin returned to action at Lusail with determination. However, the Qatar Grand Prix quickly turned from comeback to catastrophe.

Aprilia releases official update on Martin’s condition

In a detailed medical update shared on Thursday, Aprilia explained the extent of the Jorge Martin injury. The team confirmed that Martin suffered multiple rib fractures and a haemopneumothorax. After initial assessments at the Lusail Circuit’s medical center, he was transferred to Hamad General Hospital in Doha, where he underwent emergency drainage to help re-expand his lungs.

“Jorge Martin suffered a haemopneumothorax associated with multiple rib fractures,” Aprilia said in the statement. “The rider's clinical condition is showing a slow but steady improvement following medical examinations at the circuit's medical centre and later at Hamad General Hospital.”

“He is currently under observation as the pleuropulmonary trauma required immediate drainage to allow lung re-expansion. The rib fractures are causing significant pain and are an additional limitation to basic physical activity.”

This kind of trauma is common in high-speed motorsport crashes, but recovery can be unpredictable and lengthy—especially with multiple broken ribs involved.

Martin: “These have been difficult days”

Despite the pain and the seriousness of his condition, Martin remains in good spirits. In a message shared through Aprilia, he thanked his fans and supporters for their unwavering encouragement.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has supported me,” he said. “These have been difficult days but now I’m starting to move a bit more and feel better, although the pain is still intense.”

“I’d like to thank Aprilia, my fans and everyone who is helping me. I will continue to fight to be one of the strongest ever.”

His message has resonated across the MotoGP community, with fellow riders, teams, and fans expressing their support. Many praised Martin for his courage and determination amid adversity.

Lorenzo Savadori to replace Martin at Jerez

As Martin begins the long road to recovery, Aprilia has announced that Italian test rider Lorenzo Savadori will fill in for the injured champion at next week’s Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera. It’s unclear how long Martin will be sidelined, but Aprilia will not rush his return, especially considering the severity of his injuries.

Savadori, who has often been called upon as a substitute rider, is familiar with the RS-GP and has raced intermittently over recent seasons. While he may not be a title contender, his experience makes him a reliable stopgap as the team recalibrates its plans.

Title defense hopes dashed for Martin

With four rounds either missed or ruined by injury, Jorge Martin’s chances of defending his MotoGP title are now all but over. Even if he makes a swift return, the deficit in championship points and the physical toll of multiple injuries make a comeback to the top nearly impossible this season.

It’s a bitter blow for Martin, who dominated large portions of the 2024 season, taking his first world championship after a season-long battle with Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Márquez.

But this is not the first time Martin has faced adversity. He has built a reputation for bouncing back stronger. The 2025 season may be slipping away, but Martin’s fighting spirit remains intact.

The bigger picture for Aprilia

Martin’s absence is also a huge loss for Aprilia, which had high hopes for the season after signing the reigning champion. The Italian manufacturer had poured resources into developing a competitive bike and creating a team around Martin. With Aleix Espargaró nearing retirement, Martin was seen as the future.

The team must now regroup and continue without its lead rider for the foreseeable future. Technical development, testing, and race strategy will need adjustments as Savadori steps in. The team also faces pressure to maintain competitive results in the Constructors’ standings, despite the setback.

What’s next for Jorge Martin?

For now, Jorge Martin’s priority is recovery. Rib fractures, particularly when combined with a haemopneumothorax, can take several weeks—or even months—to heal fully. Pain management is critical, and physical activity will be limited for some time.

Martin will likely undergo further scans and evaluations over the coming days, which will determine whether he can begin any form of rehabilitation. Aprilia has not provided a timeline for his return, but it is likely he will miss several more rounds.

His resilience and mental strength will be crucial in the weeks ahead. Whether he returns later this season or targets a comeback in 2026, Jorge Martin has shown that he has the character to overcome adversity.