Jorge Martín has withdrawn from the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit because of a fractured right wrist. The Aprilia Racing Team rider made the decision after the injury, located at the radius near the wrist, severely compromised his braking precision.

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He completed limited track time, with 15 laps on Friday and just 8 laps in Saturday’s FP2 session. His withdrawal is a significant setback as the championship battle intensifies.

Martín: “It’s not the pain that’s the problem”

Martín addressed the situation following qualifying and explained the physical limitations that led to his withdrawal. “I tried my maximum, but continuing would mean I haven’t learned anything from the past,” he stated, highlighting the crucial need for recovery despite the rapid healing process.

“It’s not the pain that’s the problem, but the lack of firmness when braking,” he added, explaining how this deficit cost him valuable time in corners and rendered him non-competitive.

Martín’s exit from Sepang effectively sidelines him from championship contention, but the Spanish rider remains defiant in spirit. “My goal is to be ready for Qatar next week,” he declared, acknowledging that while the title chase is nearly lost, his fight is far from over.

“It’s clear the championship is still there, but I don’t think I should focus on it now. Maybe I can still win it, but for me, it’s already lost,” he conceded. “I will fight to the end, not just for myself — after all, I am already champion [2024] — but for my team and my people.”

Martín’s decision was underpinned by a hard-earned lesson from past injuries. “I’m lacking firmness in my hand, and if I kept going, it would mean I haven’t learned anything from before,” he explained, referencing his multiple setbacks in 2025, his debut year with Aprilia.

“Last year, I thought I wouldn’t get back on a MotoGP bike, and here I am, fighting for the title. It made no sense to risk further damage given the efficiency I was showing.”

Recovery plan for Qatar

Despite finishing last and theoretically being able to start the race, Martín chose to prioritize long-term recovery over short-term glory. “Riding would have worsened the bone condition. I’ll be much better in Qatar, but it didn’t make sense to push and finish last,” he explained.

His immediate plan is to return to Madrid and begin intensive rehabilitation without delay. “I’m going home today so I can start recovery tomorrow. I managed to ride a MotoGP with a broken wrist, and at Sepang, no less, under two minutes — that’s incredible.” Optimistically, he added, “If my recovery continues at this pace, I might arrive at Qatar at 80%.”

Aprilia: “The priority is his health and safety”

Aprilia’s team manager Paolo Bonora confirmed the joint decision with medical staff to halt Martín’s participation in Malaysia. “We decided together with Dr. Angel Charte not to continue. Jorge felt better compared to yesterday and had no significant pain, but he lacked the braking strength needed to be competitive. There were several seconds lost in braking zones, and the risks outweighed the benefits,” Bonora explained.

“We have seen daily improvement, which is very positive. We’re looking ahead to Qatar, where he will begin a normal recovery treatment in Spain. We trust his resilience and will to recover, which we have witnessed throughout the year.”

Bonora underscored the delicate balance between championship ambitions and rider safety. “His condition improved from yesterday, but when he is in ‘time attack’ mode, his body signals to stop. He doesn’t have enough strength for intense braking. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially with the championship at stake, but the priority is his health and safety. This was the right call,” he concluded.

Martín’s withdrawal delivers a stark message about the physical demands of MotoGP and the fine line riders walk between fighting for glory and preserving their future. His determined outlook and Aprilia’s cautious approach reflect a shared commitment to long-term success over immediate risk.