MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has given an emotional update from his hospital bed in Doha after a brutal crash during the Qatar Grand Prix left him with 11 fractured ribs and a collapsed lung. The Aprilia rider says he is “starting to feel better” but admits “the pain is still intense” as he continues to recover in intensive care.
Martin’s 2025 season has been plagued with misfortune since his move to the factory Aprilia team. He suffered multiple fractures during the first day of testing in Sepang, was sidelined through the remainder of pre-season, and then sustained further injuries in a training accident before the Thai GP.
Despite these setbacks, he made his Aprilia debut at the Qatar GP weekend — but it ended in disaster. After qualifying 14th and finishing 16th in the sprint, Martin crashed out during the main race following contact with VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio, suffering serious chest injuries.
MotoGP medical director Dr. Angel Charte confirmed Martin remains in the ICU at Hamad Hospital in Doha, where he is undergoing pulmonary drainage for a hemopneumothorax. “His injuries are progressing satisfactorily… His pain is under control… He must continue the pulmonary drainage process until it is 90% resolved,” Charte explained.
Aprilia has officially ruled Martin out of the upcoming Spanish GP at Jerez, with test rider Lorenzo Savadori stepping in. There is still no confirmed timeline for the champion’s return, though motorsport.com suggests he may be sidelined until at least August’s Austrian GP.
Despite the trauma, Martin remains upbeat.
“These have been difficult days, but now I’m starting to move a bit more and feel better, although the pain is still intense,” he said. “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.”
Martin’s absence will be a huge blow to Aprilia as the 2025 season progresses. He had been hoping to bounce back from a tough start and help elevate the Italian manufacturer to new heights, but for now, all focus is on his recovery.
