VOLUME 59 ISSUE 22 JUNE 1, 2022 P89
MARTIN'S
TOUGH TIME
Jorge Martin opened up about his
recent struggles and confirmed he will
have an operation after the Barcelona
race to alleviate a nerve issue in his
right hand. The Spaniard crashed out
of the French GP due to a numbness in
his hand, a consequence of his crash
at Portimao last April. "The solution
to improve it is to have surgery after
Barcelona because otherwise it was
too soon and I wouldn't be able to race
here, so we wait," he said. "I did treat-
ments after France but that's also why
100 percent I will make a surgery. I want
to make it 100% for the future." He also
complained that his '22-spec engine—
different to that used by factory riders
Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia—has
been a reason behind his recent poor
run. "With this new bike and engine
I am struggling a lot to find the rear
grip. When we find grip I lose in other
corners. It has been a difficult season
so far for us to find the feeling but we
need to keep working and when we find
it, we will be fast, I think."
KTM'S RESHUFFLE
KTM is actively pursuing a number of
riders to complete its rider lineup for
2023, including Jack Miller, Alex Rins
and Pol Espargaro. Australian Miller
appears to be at the top of their wish
list, with factory bosses considering
placing him in their factory team next
year alongside Brad Binder. Miguel
Oliveira has been told that KTM wishes
for him to stay, but that may be in Tech
3, its satellite team. "I mean, this was
something that was offered this week,"
said the Portuguese rider on Friday. "I
will consider (a move to Tech 3) but it
will not be my dream place." On where
his dream place would be, he replied,
"Not available!"
Briefly...
Alex Rins crashed out.
