Martin Crashes Out of Monday's
Catalunya Test
F
rom heaven to hell in seven
days. Aprilia and Jorge Mar-
tin's French air of invincibility
came crumbling down in Barce-
lona, as the Spaniard crashed
five times, scored no points, and
then suffered another potential
injury in Monday's Catalunya
MotoGP test on May 18.
Martin suffered a sixth crash
at the Circuit of Barcelona Cata-
lunya at Monday's test at turn
seven. He was taken to Dexeus
University Hospital in Barcelona
for further tests after complain
-
ing of pain in his left elbow and
right leg but checks confirmed
he suffered no fractures.
The 28-year old's speed was
without question all weekend.
His starts from ninth on the grid
were sensational, and he felt
capable of challenging for vic
-
tory too. But emotion seemed to
get the better of him. "I love the
fans, but I don't really like racing
in Spain, honestly," Martin admit-
ted post-Sprint. "It's too much
noise, too many peopleā¦"
That spilled over on Sunday
post-race when he was seen
pushing team manager Paolo
Bonora out of the way in the
garage. The frustration stemmed
from a collision with Raul Fer-
nandez at turn five, which ruined
both riders' chances. "I was so
frustrated about the situation,
because⦠of what happened," he
said. On a day when emotions
were running high, his apology
to the team and Bonora was
quickly accepted.
For his part, Fernandez re
-
fused to take responsibility. "He
braked too early, and I attacked
him," explained the Trackhouse
rider. "He released the brake, and
he put the banking again on the
corner. I didn't make a mistake."
Neil Morrison
WIND
IN THE
P24
Jorge Martin was lucky not to get hurt in his sixth crash of the weekend in Catalunya.