Jorge Martin is targeting a return to MotoGP action in Friday’s opening practice at Sepang, after further scans showed that the fracture in his right wrist is non-displaced. Aprilia has confirmed that it is working with the championship contender towards the Malaysian Grand Prix, although the plan remains dependent on his medical condition and has not yet become a confirmed race entry.

Martin injured the wrist in a high-speed crash during Saturday’s Phillip Island Sprint. He had been fighting Marc Marquez for victory when the accident ended his race and ruled him out of Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix. The injury also cost Martin the World Championship lead, leaving him ten points behind Marquez.

Additional CT scans provided two important pieces of information: doctors ruled out a suspected second fracture and confirmed that the radius fracture has not moved out of position. Aprilia team manager Paolo Bonora said the current assessment makes surgery appear unnecessary, while stressing that the team must continue following the medical updates and see how the situation develops over the coming days.

Bonora described Martin’s condition as encouraging after seeing him in a positive mood. He also praised the rider’s performance before the crash, pointing to his aggressive approach, numerous overtakes and strong race pace. At the same time, he made clear that Martin’s return target is a joint effort rather than a guarantee: Aprilia and the rider will work towards Friday, but the final decision must follow the medical analysis and Martin’s condition.

The title fight remains open

The cancellation of Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix because of bad weather prevented Marquez from extending his advantage. Both title contenders therefore scored zero points, keeping the gap at ten. After the cancellation, Bonora said that the championship remains open and highlighted the importance of the wrist fracture being non-displaced.

Sepang is the first of four remaining rounds, assuming the Qatar event goes ahead as planned. A fit Martin would therefore return directly into a close championship battle, but his immediate priority is to clear the medical checks needed even to begin the Malaysian weekend. Friday practice is the target set by Aprilia and Martin, not confirmation that he will take part in the race.