Jorge Martin has withdrawn from the Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang because his injured right wrist prevented him from applying enough force under braking. The Aprilia rider fractured the radius in his right wrist at Phillip Island only a week earlier. He sat out Friday afternoon’s Practice before returning to the circuit on Saturday morning.

The comeback lasted just three timed laps. Martin then left the Aprilia pits, and his withdrawal from the weekend was confirmed soon afterwards. Aprilia team manager Paolo Bonora said the rider’s feeling had improved compared with the previous day, but he still could not brake with sufficient force. Aprilia and Martin consequently agreed not to continue at Sepang.

Qatar is now the priority

The immediate focus is Martin’s recovery. Aprilia plans to send him back to Spain first and assess his progress each day, with the aim of having him ready for Qatar. His absence also affects the championship picture: Martin is ten points behind reigning champion Marc Marquez. Should Marquez win both races this weekend, the gap could reach 47 points with three rounds still remaining.

Alex Marquez secured pole position at Sepang ahead of his brother Marc. Ai Ogura was the leading Aprilia rider in fourth, while Martin’s team-mate Marco Bezzecchi was set to start fifth. Aprilia will continue the Malaysian weekend with its remaining riders as Martin’s recovery becomes the team’s central priority ahead of Qatar.