Jorge Martin targets Malaysian GP return just six days after breaking wrist

The 2024 MotoGP champion was battling title rival Marc Marquez for the lead in the sprint race at the Australian Grand Prix when he crashed at high speed at Turn 8 and was sent barrel-rolling through the gravel.

Martin entered the weekend with a two-point championship lead and left with a 10-point deficit to Marquez.

Things could have been worse for Martin when it comes to points, but Sunday’s Grand Prix was cancelled due to the weather, keeping Marquez within touching distance.

However, that gap is only recoverable should the Aprilia rider be able to race, something that won’t be decided until Thursday in Sepang.

Leading Spanish outlet MARCA reports that the Madrid-native has already arrived in Kuala Lumpur and is undergoing ice treatment to reduce swelling on his wrist.

They add that there has already been some good news for Martin, with X-rays revealing a fracture of the distal radius of his right wrist, but not a second in the ulna as initially feared.

A CT scan in Melbourne ruled out two breaks, and the details have been sent to Dr Ignacio Roger de Ona, who is famed for working with Marquez and getting him back racing after injuries.

A statement from Aprilia confirmed: "Jorge Martin underwent a CT scan to assess his condition following yesterday’s injury. The only confirmed injury is a non-displaced fracture of the distal radius. Consequently, the rider will not be returning to Spain and will undergo the necessary treatment over the coming days."

MARCA add that doctors have told Martin that such an injury takes between four and six weeks to fully recover, meaning he will likely be dealing with pain and discomfort for the final four races, with the season concluding in Valencia from November 27 to 29.

As such, Martin will be trying to speed things up with not just physiotherapy, but also magnetotherapy, a treatment which uses magnetic fields to alleviate pain, inflammation and support bone healing.

Nevertheless, Martin’s injury directly impacts his use of the throttle and front brake, something he’ll be relying on hundreds of times throughout a race weekend.

Everything is now being prepared for Thursday morning in Sepang when MotoGP doctor Angel Charte will have a final say on whether Martin can race; even then, he will go through a second test after practice on Friday.

There is also another glimmer of hope - the potential cancellation of the Qatar Grand Prix.

MotoGP insist the race will go ahead despite the conflict in the Middle East, but were it to be cancelled, Martin would not only have a week’s rest, but Marquez would miss out on the opportunity to add more points over his rival.