February 8, Noale, Italy Following a collision during preseason testing earlier this week in Sepang, Malaysia, reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin had successful surgery on his right hand. The Spaniard’s team, Aprilia Racing, revealed on Friday that he did not need surgery on his left foot, even though he fractured both his hand and foot in a highside collision.

On Wednesday, Martin lost control of his bike and was flung off, striking the tarmac head-on and breaking the visor on his helmet. After that, the 27-year-old traveled back to Europe and had surgery in Barcelona.

In Aprilia’s official announcement, Dr. Xavier Mir said, “Jorge Martin has had surgery for a displaced fracture of the head of the right fifth metacarpal, with reduction and percutaneous fixation using an intramedullary screw.”

“Depending on the clinical status, the functional recovery will begin shortly.”

Whether Martin will be able to compete in the season-opening Grand Prix at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit on February 28 or the test that is scheduled for next week has not yet been confirmed by Aprilia.

According to Piero Taramasso, the racing manager for Michelin, Martin’s bike’s internal tire temperature was 15 degrees Celsius below ideal, which could have had a role in the collision. Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia, disagreed with this evaluation, nevertheless.

MotoGP.com cited Rivola as stating, “I’m happy that Jorge’s surgery went well and now we hope for a speedy recovery; his health is the priority.” Regarding the accident, I want to be clear that Piero Taramasso’s claims are not supported in any way by our data.

“I think the safety of the riders should come first, and I’ve already proposed calling a meeting with all the teams to address this matter in a constructive manner. The number of injuries makes it obvious that this is a serious situation.”

During the preseason test in Sepang, Martin was not the only rider to sustain injuries. Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse Racing also pulled out of the three-day test due to foot and hand fractures. Fabio Di Giannantonio, a rider with VR46, attempted a wheelie but broke his collarbone.