Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin endured a tough start to the 2025 pre-season after suffering two heavy crashes within the opening hours of testing at Sepang.
The Aprilia rider first went down in the tight opening turns but was able to remount and return to the pits via a service road. However, his second crash was far more severe.
Martin’s Nasty Highside at Turn 2
While flicking his RS-GP from right to left between Turn 1 and Turn 2, Martin lost the rear and was violently launched into the air. He somersaulted before landing heavily on his feet, followed by a face-down impact on the asphalt.
The session was briefly red-flagged as medical personnel attended to him. Martin was initially taken to the circuit medical center before being transferred to Aurelius Hospital in Nilai—just 6km from the track—for further examination.
Aprilia’s Medical Update on Martin
Aprilia provided an initial statement confirming Martin’s crash and that he would undergo medical checks. A later update revealed:
“Jorge will be taken to Aurelius Hospital in Nilai for further examination. So far, he is experiencing pain in his left foot and right hand.”
Given the severity of the crash, it remains uncertain whether Martin will be able to continue testing in Sepang.
At the time of his second crash, Martin had completed just 13 laps and was sitting in 21st place. The accident happened at the start of his third run, making for a frustrating debut on the factory Aprilia.
Raul Fernandez Also Injured in Costly Day for Aprilia
April’s misfortune continued when Raul Fernandez was confirmed to have fractured a metacarpal bone in his left hand, along with a broken toe following an apparent out-lap crash.
His team, Trackhouse Racing, released a statement:
“Raul Fernandez has suffered a fractured metacarpal bone in his left hand. We are currently evaluating further treatment.”
Fernandez also crashed on the opening day of last year’s Sepang test, suffering a bruised hip and pelvis that forced him to miss the remainder of the session.
Other Incidents on a Dramatic Opening Day
- Ai Ogura, Fernandez’s rookie teammate, walked away unscathed after a high-speed Turn 1 crash.
- Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46) also crashed at Turn 5 but was unharmed.
- Pedro Acosta, KTM’s rising star, was reported to have had an off-track incident as well.
As of midday, Ogura was the fastest Aprilia rider, sitting in 18th place, while Martin’s factory teammate Marco Bezzecchi continued his adaptation to the RS-GP.
With two injured riders and a challenging start to testing. Aprilia will be hoping for a smoother remainder of the Sepang test as they prepare for the 2025 MotoGP season.
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