Written by Aaratrika Gupta, Edited by Gabriel Tsui
Several riders have sustained injuries early into the 2025 MotoGP season, especially those who crashed in Sepang while testing before the season began.
Defending world champion Jorge Martín, Raúl Fernández, and Fabio Di Giannantonio are among the most affected; they all incurred injuries that prevented them from competing or had damaged their performances.
As the Argentina GP approaches, let’s examine how these riders have coped since their injuries, their struggles in the Thai GP, and their expected recovery timelines.
Jorge Martín – World Champion’s Title Defense in Jeopardy
The Crash at Sepang and Continued Struggles
Martín’s season got off to a nightmare start when he endured a highside crash during the Sepang Test, fracturing his left radius and scaphoid. He underwent immediate surgery in Barcelona and had hoped to return in time for the Thai GP, but his recovery was complicated by another crash during training.
This second injury, suffered in Spain just before Thailand, required a second surgery, ruling him out of both the Thai and Argentina GPs. His extended absence means he will be playing catch-up in the championship battle.
Impact of Missing the Buriram Test and Thai GP
Missing the Buriram Test left Martín unprepared for the season opener. Without any laps on the updated Aprilia RS-GP, he missed crucial setup time. Lorenzo Savadori replaced him for the Thai GP, but Aprilia struggled to compete with Ducati and KTM’s pace.
His expected return is uncertain, but early reports suggest he will not return before Round 4.
Fabio Di Giannantonio – Recovery from Concussion and Fractures
Sepang Test Crash and Head Injury
Di Giannantonio was another victim of Sepang’s unpredictable conditions, crashing at high speed and suffering a concussion, along with a minor collarbone fracture. While his injuries were less severe than Martin’s, the concussion meant he had to undergo neurological tests before being cleared to race.
Struggles in the Thai GP
Di Giannantonio raced in Thailand, but was clearly not at full fitness. He struggled with fatigue and concentration, two common side effects of head injuries. Although he managed to complete the race, the result at the end was inconsistent lap times and a finish outside the points.
His team has indicated that he is improving, but his Argentina GP participation remains uncertain. If he does race, it is likely that he will still be recovering from his concussion symptoms, which could limit his performance.
Raúl Fernández – Wrist Injury Slows His Progress
Sepang Crash and Wrist Surgery
Fernández was another rider who crashed at Sepang, suffering a fractured scaphoid in his right wrist. He underwent surgery in Madrid, with doctors predicting a four-week recovery period.
Underwhelming Return in the Thai GP
Despite pushing himself to the limit, Fernandez still had limited wrist mobility. This affected his braking ability, which is crucial at a physically demanding track like Buriram. End result was slow lap times, and he admitted post-race that he was struggling with pain and fatigue.
His fitness to compete in Argentina is still uncertain. Although he is expected to compete, he will most likely be suffering from lingering pain and weakened strength, and it will be difficult to race at his optimal level.
Expected Returns for Argentine GP
Martín – OUT. After a second surgery, he is not expected back until at least Round 4.
Di Giannantonio – QUESTIONABLE. Still recovering from a concussion, his participation in Argentina will depend on his neurological assessments.
Fernández – LIKELY TO RACE BUT NOT AT FULL FITNESS. His Thai GP performance was impacted by his wrist injury, and even though he is anticipated to race, he could still have endurance and braking issues.
Conclusion: Injuries Already Impacting the 2025 Title Race
The Sepang Test proved costly for Martín, Di Giannantonio, and Fernández, with all three riders struggling in the opening rounds. Martín's absence from the Thai and Argentina GP puts his championship defense in jeopardy, while Di Giannantonio and Fernández's performances have been significantly impacted by their own respective injuries.
As the MotoGP season continues, their recovery will be closely watched. With Argentina also being another physically exhausting race,the question is whether or not Di Giannantonio and Fernández will bounce back to full strength.
The next few rounds will be critical in determining how these injuries shape the early MotoGP 2025 title fight.
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