Injured MotoGP champion Jorge Martin released from Qatar hospital

Injured MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has been released from hospital in Qatar as plans for a return to Europe take shape.

In a statement from his Aprilia team on Sunday, it was announced that Martin “has been discharged from Hamad General Hospital and will remain in Qatar for a few more days until his medical condition stabilises.

“As soon as his condition allows, an assisted flight will be organised to return [him] to Europe,” the statement concluded.

Martin broke 11 ribs and sustained a pneumothorax in his accident during last weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, which included being struck by rival rider Fabio di Giannantonio.

The Losail event was Martin’s first race of 2025 following injuries picked up before the season began.

While his release from hospital comes a little earlier than expected, the fact that he will remain in Qatar for a further few days is no surprise. As reported last week, flying is understood to be an issue given the nature of the Spaniard’s latest injuries. This explains the reference to an assisted flight for Martin, who could be out of action for around three months.

In other MotoGP news, Honda has confirmed that its factory squad will field Aleix Espargaro as a wildcard rider at next weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

The Jerez round will mark Espargaro’s first race outing since retiring from full-time action at the end of 2024, when he was a factory Aprilia rider. Since stepping down from that role, Espargaro has worked for Honda as a test rider.

Espargaro will line up alongside fellow factory riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini as the Japanese manufacturer looks to build on a strong start to the season and take advantage of a circuit that should suit the RC213V.