MOTEGI (September 27, 2025) — Saturday turned into a nightmare for Aprilia and Jorge Martin at the Japanese Grand Prix. The reigning MotoGP champion was involved in a first-lap incident during the Sprint Race and suffered a displaced fracture of his right collarbone, ruling him out of Sunday’s main event.
How the crash unfolded
Starting from 17th on the grid, Martin tried to make up ground with an aggressive braking move into Turn 1. The maneuver went wrong as he clipped Fermin Aldeguer’s Ducati, losing control and colliding with teammate Marco Bezzecchi. Both riders ended up in the gravel, their races over before the first lap was completed.
Medical checks at the Motegi circuit confirmed the broken collarbone. Martin was immediately declared unfit to race on Sunday. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, escaped with a painful but less serious leg contusion.
Surgery ahead
Martin will return to Spain for further scans before undergoing surgery at the Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona, performed by Dr. Xavier Mir. According to MotoGP medical director Dr. Angel Charte, the fracture is located in the mid-shaft of the collarbone and is completely displaced, requiring surgical fixation.
A difficult season gets worse
The setback marks Martin’s fourth major injury of 2025, a campaign already marred by crashes and missed opportunities. Once a strong contender to defend his crown, he now faces weeks away from racing, with recovery time dependent on the outcome of surgery and rehabilitation.
For Aprilia, the loss is heavy: the factory team not only sees its star rider sidelined, but also its hopes of fighting at the front diminished in a crucial stage of the season.
🔥 Martin’s 2025 season, already scarred by injuries, may have reached a breaking point. Motegi was supposed to be a chance for redemption; instead, it leaves Aprilia with painful questions about what could have been.
Fabio Averna
