Martin’s Malaysian GP hopes hang by a thread

Hope for the best: Spain’s Jorge Martin will know today if he can race in the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

SEPANG: Aprilia rider Jorge Martin’s participation in the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix is in doubt after he managed just three laps during the afternoon practice session at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) yesterday.

The Spaniard completed 12 laps in the morning session and was subsequently cleared by the medical team to compete for the remainder of the weekend.

However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse in the afternoon when he narrowly avoided a crash and was forced to cut short his session, returning to the pits after just three laps.

Martin, who suffered a broken wrist during the Australian GP before arriving in Sepang, now faces uncertainty over his participation in the race.

Team manager Paolo Bonora said Martin would be reassessed today to determine whether he could return to the track or remain sidelined for the rest of the weekend.

“In agreement with MotoGP medical director Dr Angel Charte, it has been decided that Martin will not complete the practice session, allowing him extra time to recover ahead of the remainder of the weekend,” the team said.

While Martin’s participation is still unsure, Trackhouse Aprilia’s Raul Fernandez was officially deemed unfit and has been sidelined for the rest of the weekend by the medical team.

Although he attempted to take part in the first practice session, he only managed five laps before returning to the pits due to pain in his right index finger.

“I’ve been feeling worse in my finger. Although I am recovering, the pain is also getting intense. So the doctors have decided that I should not compete,” said Fernandez.

“I feel very disappointed. Of course I want to be racing, but it’s time to recover and focus on the next one.”

The Spanish rider had a crash during the Sprint Race at the Indonesian MotoGP sprint earlier this month, but managed a gritty second-place finish in the main race after adapting his braking technique to use his middle finger.