Mixed Fortunes for Aprilia Racing in Qatar: Bezzecchi Battles to Ninth, Martín Injured in Heavy Crash
Lusail, Qatar – April 13, 2025
It was a bittersweet weekend for Aprilia Racing at the Lusail International Circuit. While Marco Bezzecchi delivered a respectable top-ten finish, the team’s focus quickly shifted to concern for Jorge Martín, who suffered a high-speed crash in the closing stages of Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Martín Crashes Out Late in the Race
With just eight laps to go, Jorge Martín’s race came to a painful end at Turn 13. The Spanish rider lost control and crashed heavily, sustaining serious injuries upon impact. Initial reports confirmed that Martín suffered chest trauma and was immediately taken for medical attention at the trackside facility.
After undergoing a preliminary assessment, which revealed a contusion on the right side of his thorax along with a pneumothorax (a collapsed lung), Martín remained conscious and responsive, with no issues affecting his limbs—a small relief in what was otherwise a deeply worrying incident.
Further Medical Evaluation and Hospitalization
Following trackside care, Martín was transferred to Hamad General Hospital in Doha for further evaluation, including a CT scan to assess the extent of his injuries. The scan revealed that the pneumothorax had worsened, requiring the placement of a chest drain to assist in recovery.
Additionally, the scan uncovered six fractured ribs on the right side—specifically, fractures to the posterior arches of ribs one through six. Martín will remain in hospital under close observation for several days, with his condition being carefully monitored until the pneumothorax subsides and healing can begin.
Bezzecchi Brings Home Points with Steady Ride
On the other side of the garage, Marco Bezzecchi delivered a composed and determined ride. After qualifying 13th on the grid, the Italian rider made steady progress throughout the race, navigating the chaos of the midfield with maturity and control.
His climb to ninth place was a testament to his consistency and ability to stay focused amid the drama unfolding around him. It was a solid points-paying finish, especially considering the team’s struggles with pace over the weekend.
Aprilia Reflects on Performance and Prioritizes Recovery
While Bezzecchi’s effort was commendable, Aprilia Racing acknowledged that the overall performance was below their expectations. The team is aiming to refine Bezzecchi’s approach to time-attacks and early race aggression to better position him for stronger results in the upcoming rounds.
“Today, performance takes a back seat,” an Aprilia team spokesperson shared. “Our thoughts are with Jorge during this difficult time. We are fully behind him and wish him a smooth and strong recovery.”
Looking Ahead
With Martín sidelined for the foreseeable future, Aprilia will need to regroup quickly heading into the European stretch of the season. For now, the team’s energy and support are firmly directed toward their injured rider as he begins the road to recovery.
Racing may continue, but moments like these serve as stark reminders of the risks every MotoGP rider takes each time they line up on the grid.
All at World Racing News UK wish Jorge a very speedy recovery
Official Aprilia Racing Press Release
