News Summary
- Jorge Martín is scheduled to see MotoGP medical director Ángel Charte before Qatar Grand Prix FP1 on Friday, November 6.
- The Aprilia rider is recovering from a fracture near his right wrist and withdrew from the Malaysian Grand Prix before qualifying.
- Márquez has his first chance to clinch the title at Lusail, while Fermín Aldeguer and Raúl Fernández have been cleared for the weekend.
Jorge Martín is scheduled for a medical assessment at Lusail on Friday before attempting his second comeback from the wrist injury he sustained at Phillip Island. Aprilia confirmed that MotoGP medical director Ángel Charte will assess him at 12:15 local time, with Qatar Grand Prix FP1 due to start at 14:45. The appointment is at 09:15 GMT, 04:15 Eastern and 14:45 IST.
Martín was originally due to be assessed on Thursday. Aprilia gave no reason for the change when it confirmed Friday’s appointment. Martín had been given permission to take part in FP1, with a review required before he could continue. His participation in the sprint and Grand Prix remains unconfirmed.
Why Martín is trying again after Sepang
Martín fractured the lower end of his right radius when he crashed while fighting Márquez in the Australian sprint. He attempted to return six days later in Malaysia, where he took part in practice and was cleared to continue after a review. The wrist still lacked the strength he needed on the bike, and he withdrew before qualifying, missing both points-scoring races. He then returned to Spain for treatment before travelling to Qatar.
“I feel better, I’m doing my best. It’s right that there are daily checks, but I’m optimistic,” Martín told Sky Italia at Lusail.
Thursday’s checks resolved two other questions about the Qatar entry list. Gresini Ducati’s Fermín Aldeguer was cleared after breaking his right hand in Indonesia. Trackhouse Aprilia’s Raúl Fernández, who fractured his right index finger in the Indonesia sprint, also received clearance for the weekend.
What Martín’s fitness means for the title fight
Martín arrived in Malaysia 10 points behind Márquez. The Ducati rider took second in the sprint and won the Grand Prix while Martín sat out both races, stretching the lead to 44 points with three rounds remaining. Martín’s Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi is third, 67 points off the lead.
Márquez can clinch his eighth premier-class championship at Lusail if he outscores Martín by at least 30 points and Bezzecchi by at least eight across the sprint and Grand Prix. If Martín is cleared to race, eight points of his own would keep his title challenge alive even if Márquez wins both races.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the Qatar Grand Prix in MotoGP.
