Marc Marquez rival Jorge Martin sparks concern with unexpected medical update
Martin's social media update caught the attention (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Jorge Martin has raised questions about his health with a medical photo after the Indonesian Grand Prix.
The 2024 MotoGP champion kept his two-point lead over Marc Marquez in Mandalika as his troublesome arm pump issues were kept at bay for another race.
Martin shares unexpected medical photo during Marquez title fight
However, just three days later, he posted a picture showing himself receiving an intravenous (IV) drip and captioned the image ‘problems’.
The image came with no further context, and Martin has since posted a picture at the beach with his partner, suggesting all is well.
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The incident at least comes at a good time for Martin with no racing this weekend.
MotoGP has a weekend before a gruelling triple-header across the Australian Grand Prix, Malaysian Grand Prix and Qatar Grand Prix.
Martin's Instragram story caused a panic (Credit 89JorgeMartin Instagram)
Martin's previous arm-pump problems raised concerns
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The last free weekend also saw some more serious health concerns for Martin, who was contemplating surgery for arm pump.
At Round 14 in Misano, he led the Grand Prix, only to dramatically drop back out of contention and then explain that pain from the ailment was to blame.
The Aprilia rider couldn’t go under the knife with the Austrian Grand Prix the following weekend, but said he would do so the Monday after if things didn’t improve.
However, things certainly did, and Martin is now feeling more confident than ever about his title tilt.
Martin led the sprint in Indonesia with ease before a tyre pressure issue, and then took third in the feature race.
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Martin is back on top in the standings (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
Martin remains confident ahead of decisive MotoGP races
Speaking afterwards, he said: “I’ve been doing really well lately, very consistent at all the circuits, very fast.
“I see the next few races as promising. I think we’ve gotten through the toughest part for Aprilia. From now on, we can always be competitive.
“I really feel the effects of not having raced last year. It’s difficult for me; I’m struggling to find my baseline setup, my electronics.
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“There are circuits, like Japan, where I felt a bit better from Friday onwards, but there are others where I struggle. So this was one of those.
“There were two corners where Raul [Fernandez] and Marco [Bezzecchi] were always faster than me. I’d reach their speed, and they’d take another step forward. And it was like that all weekend; I couldn’t catch them, but I’m happy because the team is getting to know me better and better, and that’s also helping my adaptation to be faster.”
He added: “Today, surely, the most I could have done was finish third, I couldn’t have done any better.
“Yesterday, I think I could have done better, I could have won, surely, but that’s racing, that’s what it’s all about; one day you win and the next you learn.
“I’m leaving this weekend happy. I’m looking forward to resting after these few days, because there are five very important races left. We’re going to go all out for them.”
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Martin is in good spirits despite his struggles (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
Martin's arm pump issues worry key voice
Finally, asked about his arm, Martin concluded: "Good. Yes, this race was physical, but very good."
Despite Martin's confidence, legendary MotoGP agent Carlo Pernat has expressed some concern over the tricky call to avoid surgery.
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Speaking after Austria where Martin made the decision, he said: "Martin has decided against surgery, and he probably made the right choice because the championship is very important to him.
“But he should be careful, because this compartment syndrome can strike suddenly, almost without warning, and the arm can become unusable.
"Regarding his choice, I would say that 50% of the decision is correct and 50% is incorrect. We'll see. I hope it was the right one…”
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