Martin is racing at Sepang with a fresh fracture – here’s what his MotoGP colleagues have to say

Jorge Martin and Sepang – a story in its own right, which will see another chapter added at the end of October 2026. The connection is particularly significant because it was there that the Martin/Aprilia relationship suffered its first major crack, even before the partnership had properly begun. It was in February 2025 when the ‘Martinator’ was due to complete his first major test for his employer.

The world champion didn’t even make it to the lunch break. After two crashes, Martin was on his way back to Spain with significant injuries; the season opener and his mission to defend his title seemed to have come to nothing. Now, his return to Malaysia could serve as a healing balm for the partnership. At the Sepang International Circuit, Jorge Martin will attempt to salvage his World Championship hopes under his own steam, not from the sidelines but from the handlebars of the RS-GP.

Following the violent crash in the Phillip Island Sprint, in which Martin sustained a fracture to his right forearm, there was also some unexpected help in Australia in the form of the cancellation of the GP race. Whilst Marc Márquez was denied the chance to further extend his lead in the World Championship, things turned out even better for Martin. Following further examinations and a final assessment in Sepang, Martin was cleared to take part in the Malaysian Grand Prix. However, Martin – who, according to the latest reports, is wearing a splint on his injured right wrist – must undergo another examination by the race doctor, Dr Charte, after FP1.

Instead of the title race being more or less decided, the World Championship could therefore remain wide open – should Martin’s determined attempt prove successful. Other top MotoGP riders also did not question the approach taken by Martin and his team. Marc Márquez, too, welcomed his participation. Both in the riders’ paddock and during the press conference, the championship leader stated : “I think it’s good that Jorge is here. It’s better for the championship situation if he rides. The regulations allow him to, so he should give it a go. One thing is certain for me: if he’s on the track, he’ll be fast – not least because adrenaline is always the best painkiller.”

Martin bei der Ankunft in Sepang

Foto: Gold and Goose

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Team-mate Marco Bezzecchi, who also still has a realistic chance of winning the title, put it succinctly: “I’d do exactly the same. He has to give it a go, not least because he’s so close to Marc. I hope he can see the weekend through.”

Yamaha works rider Fabio Quartararo, who is out of contention in 15th place in the World Championship standings, highlighted the double-edged nature of the situation. “If you’re still in the running for the World Championship title, there’s really no option but to give it a go, even if a fresh fracture after five or six days is no easy feat. Ultimately, only Jorge can feel it and know whether it’ll work.”

Acosta recalled his Moto3 days

His compatriot Pedro Acosta also pointed out that Jorge Martín has experience of such situations. The KTM rider in Sepang said: “I can well understand that Jorge wants to race here. When he was on his way to his Moto3 title, he also had to contend with problems with his hand. I think that if he manages to race here, he’ll be able to come back and compete for wins again.”

The winner at Sepang in 2025 and brother of the championship leader was somewhat more cautious. Alex Márquez: “I think it’s perfectly normal that he’s here. He’s in the thick of the championship battle, just ten points behind. But I wouldn’t want to speculate on the injury. First they said a bone was broken, then two bones, and now perhaps there’s no fracture at all – to be honest, I don’t have the full picture when it comes to the injury. What I do know is that Jorge is brave and he’ll give it his all.”

Nor should we forget the battle in the Manufacturers’ Championship. Ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix – with eight races remaining – the two Italian manufacturers are separated by just six points, with Aprilia in first place.