The harrowing Qatar MotoGP crash leaves reigning world champion Jorge Martin hospitalized for several days with a staggering total of 11 rib fractures.
The Lusail International Circuit renowned for its high-speed action and dramatic turns became the scene of an accident that has not only disrupted the Spaniard’s much-anticipated return to racing but also cast uncertainty over the immediate future of one of the sport’s brightest stars.
According to reports, the serious injuries will leave Jorge Martin hospitalized in Qatar for at least two weeks before he can return home to Spain – and initial indications are that he will be sidelined for around three months.
Martin entered the Qatar MotoGP weekend with a sense of renewed optimism, marking both his season debut and his first competitive outing with Aprilia after missing the first three rounds of the 2025 season due to earlier injuries sustained in pre-season testing and a subsequent training accident.
Despite these setbacks, Martin demonstrated remarkable resilience by qualifying 14th just behind his Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi and finishing 16th in the sprint race. However, the main event on Sunday would prove to be a turning point—albeit for all the wrong reasons.
The incident unfolded on lap 14 of the 22-lap race as the 27-year old rider navigated Turn 12, a notoriously challenging section of the Lusail International circuit.
Having struggled for pace and dropped out of the points, Martin lost control of his Aprilia on a kerb known as “Misano” which is higher than the others, causing him to crash heavily.
In a cruel twist of fate he was then struck by VR46 Ducati’s Fabio Di Giannantonio compounding the severity of the Qatar MotoGP crash.
The impact left Martin in visible pain, requiring immediate assistance from trackside medical personnel before being transported to the circuit’s medical center and subsequently to Hamad General Hospital in Doha for further evaluation and treatment.
MORE MOTOGP:
Jorge Martin’s return confirmed, declared fit to race in Qatar
Qatar MotoGP victory for Marc Marquez, overcomes drama to extend championship lead
New 2025 MotoGP Championship standings after Qatar
Initial medical assessments at the hospital revealed that Martin had suffered a traumatic pneumothorax—a collapsed lung—alongside a contusion on the right side of his chest.
While early reports provided some reassurance by confirming the absence of traumatic injuries to the brain, cervical spine or abdominal organs, the full extent of Martin’s injuries became apparent only after comprehensive imaging and clinical testing.
Aprilia’s official statement detailed that Martin had sustained eight fractures to the posterior costal arches (the back ribs) from the first to the eighth rib as well as three additional fractures involving the lateral arches from the seventh to the ninth rib.
The presence of minimal pleural effusion—a small accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity—was also noted in the context of the pneumothorax, necessitating the placement of a suction drain to assist with lung function and prevent further complications.
The gravity of Martin’s condition has required him to remain under close observation at Hamad General Hospital with medical staff monitoring his respiratory status and managing his pain.
The decision to keep Jorge Martin hospitalized for several days underscores the seriousness of his injuries and the need for careful management to ensure a safe and complete recovery.
Aprilia’s communications team has emphasized that Martin will not be discharged until his pneumothorax has resolved and his overall condition stabilizes, with further updates to be provided as new information becomes available.
For Martin, the crash represents a devastating blow at a time when he was seeking to re-establish his presence in the championship after an already injury-plagued start to the season.
His return in Qatar was widely anticipated, with fans and pundits alike eager to see how he would adapt to his new machinery and challenge for victories once again. Instead, the focus has now shifted to his recovery and the timeline for his potential return to racing action.
