Missed opportunity
Jorge Martin finished in fifth position in today’s Misano GP and, due to the victory claimed by Marc Marquez, was caught on equal points at the top of the standings by his compatriot. The Ducati rider – if the season ended today – would be champion by virtue of the greater number of wins achieved. However, Martin also has other problems to worry about, besides those ‘caused’ by the red #93. In the post-race interviews given at Misano, the 2024 world champion explained that his loss of positions in today’s race was also due to a significant physical fatigue caused by the compartment syndrome that afflicts him.
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Interviewed immediately after the race by the British television TNT, Martin explained his situation: “I’m really happy with my performance – Martin explained – especially in the first half of the race. Looking back at Friday and all the difficulties I had, it was fantastic to manage to overtake Marc and take the lead. I was really enjoying the race. So I think we have to be proud of the work done by the team. And for sure I think today we lost a great opportunity. I had the chance to win, I believe. But as I said, there are unforeseen events: I had arm pump problems around mid-race and I couldn’t brake well anymore. I had completely lost control of the bike and was just waiting for the race to end to rest a bit”.
Will there be surgery?
“In the past I was able to win here without problems. So there is definitely a problem and we need to understand why – Martin further explained – now I don’t have enough time to intervene ahead of Austria. So I’m just trying to recover. Honestly, I don’t think I will suffer from compartment syndrome in Austria; however, looking at the end of the season, we need to understand whether it is worth undergoing surgery after that race. So we have this question mark for the rest of the season: we will definitely try to do our best and keep fighting“.
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FormulaPassion.it contacted Aprilia and the Noale team confirmed Martin’s physical problems and that the possibility of surgery after the Red Bull Ring weekend is being evaluated. At the moment, however, all doors remain open and the possible surgery remains ‘to be evaluated’. It is therefore not yet certain that Martin will have to go under the knife.
Between the Austrian GP and the next race in Japan, there is a two-week interval. So there wouldn’t be much time to allow Martin a full recovery ahead of Motegi. Most likely, the outcome of the Austrian race and the feeling Martin will have regarding his physical condition after the next GP will determine the final decision of the rider and the team.
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