Martin targets Austria return in medical test

Moto3 world title contender Jorge Martin will undergo a medical check to see if he is fit to return to action in Austria just a week after fracturing his hand at Brno.

Martin was forced out of the Czech Republic round following a heavy high-side crash during the opening practice session. After being checked over at the medical centre, it was confirmed the Spaniard had suffered a fracture to his left radius in the incident which instantly ruled him out of the remainder of the race weekend.

With Martin missing, Marco Bezzecchi has taken the lead in the Moto3 riders’ standings with his sixth place in Brno to pull out a three-point advantage on the Team Del Conca Gresini rider.

Martin’s team has confirmed he will fly to the Red Bull Ring on Thursday for a medical examination at 16:30 (local time) aiming to be declared fit to ride for the Austria race weekend.

The 20-year-old underwent surgery on his hand fracture in Barcelona the day after the crash and accepts even if he gets the green light to race at the Red Bull Ring he’s ‘under no illusion’ about managing any discomfort from the injury when on his Honda Moto3 machine.

“I feel a bit better, the wrist has improved and together with my entourage we decided to fly to Austria and see what the doctors will tell us,” Martin said. “I already want to get back on my Honda, but I’m under no illusion.

“If I pass the medical evaluation, then I will try to ride and from then we’ll see where we’re at.”

Martin, who saw last year’s Moto3 title challenge wrecked by an ankle injury which required surgery forcing him out of the German and Czech Republic rounds, has claimed five race wins so far this year with six pole positions.

Martin’s team-mate Fabio Di Giannantonio claimed a maiden Moto3 victory in Brno last weekend to move up to third in the riders’ championship – 17 points off new leader Bezzecchi and 14 points behind Martin.