Gresini star’s hand injury to be reviewed after FP1, a big name returns as another is sidelined, Martin schedules comeback date
Gresini Ducati rider and MotoGP world title contender Alex Márquez has been declared fit to start this weekend’s German Grand Prix at Sachsenring, just two weeks after fracturing his left hand in a high-speed incident at the Assen TT. However, the Spaniard’s condition will be reassessed following Friday’s opening practice session.
Currently second in the championship standings behind his brother Marc, Márquez returned to the paddock after undergoing surgery in Madrid to repair a fractured second metacarpal in his left hand, sustained in a dramatic tangle with Pedro Acosta while battling for fourth at Assen.
“I was quite unfortunate,” Márquez told MotoGP.com. “I crashed, and the initial impact on my right side was fine. But later, with my hand on the ground, I hit something—maybe a hole in the grass or the kerb—and felt a big impact. I knew something wasn’t right.”
Initially believed to be a dislocated finger, further scans confirmed a break. After immediate surgery, the focus turned to recovery, but the Gresini star insisted he won’t push beyond his physical limits this weekend.
“I had the medical review with Doctor Charte, and now I prefer to look forward. I have no goals, no objective—just FP1,” said the 28-year-old. “I’ll take it session by session and listen to my body. I’m here because I feel fit to ride a MotoGP bike, but I’ll be realistic if pain or something unexpected happens.”
With forecasts calling for potentially wet track conditions at Sachsenring, Márquez admitted it could be a double-edged sword.
“It can help in terms of smoother riding, using less power,” he said. “But it also increases the risk of crashing. Honestly, I prefer dry conditions—you get strange crashes in the wet.”
The incident at Assen, where Márquez’s front brake lever made contact with Acosta’s KTM, resulted in the front end of the Ducati locking and sent Márquez down hard. The FIM MotoGP Stewards ruled it a racing incident.
Acosta went on to finish fourth but later visited hospital due to an allergic reaction from an insect sting. Fortunately, the Red Bull GasGas rookie showed no lasting effects and, like Márquez, is set to return to action in FP1.
Heading into round nine of the season, Márquez sits 68 points behind his brother Marc but holds a 58-point advantage over third-placed Francesco Bagnaia and maintains a key position in the title race.
Luca Marini returns from Injury
Adding to the consistently evolving Sachsenring paddock is the return of Luca Marini, who re-joins teammate Joan Mir at Repsol Honda after recovering from injuries sustained in testing for the Suzuka 8-hour. The Italian is back on the RC213V for the first time since Silverstone, having completed a productive two-day private test in Brno to assess his health.
“I’m really happy to be back, to be able to ride my bike again, see everyone in the team and keep working on this project,” said Marini. “The test in Brno last week was good, and I was able to understand my physical condition well. I’m not perfect at the moment, but the best way to improve is to ride.”
Marini has scored points in every start in 2025 and is widely regarded as one of the most consistent riders of the year. In 2024, he claimed his first point as a factory Honda rider at the Sachsenring — and is keen to build further this weekend.
“Of course, it would be great to go straight back to fighting where we were, but this weekend is mostly about getting back into the rhythm to end the season well,” he added.
Honda HRC and its riders are hoping the slower, more technical layout of the German track will offer a fresh chance for development after two rounds at ultra-fast circuits.
This weekend also marks the first in a back-to-back run, with riders and teams heading straight to Brno following Sunday’s race.
Bastianini sidelined with appendicitis
In other news from the Sachsenring paddock, Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Enea Bastianini will miss this weekend’s race after being diagnosed with appendicitis. The Italian arrived ill and, after worsening symptoms on Thursday morning, was sent to his local hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed.
“With his fever not going down and the pain still intense, Enea Bastianini chose to go to his home hospital this morning to get checked,” a team statement read. “Doctors diagnosed Enea with appendicitis. He will remain hospitalised overnight and is currently undergoing treatment to avoid surgery. More updates are expected Friday morning.”
Jorge Martin on course for Czech return
Reigning MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin is targeting a return to action at the next round in Czechia after completing a successful test with Aprilia Racing at Misano this week.
Martin, who’s been out since the season-opening crash in Qatar, completed 64 laps aboard the RS-GP25 with no physical issues. He’ll undergo medical evaluation at Brno on Thursday, 17 July and, if cleared, will race next weekend for the first time in nearly four months.
“I feel confident and – most importantly – pain-free,” said Martin, who will race with the coveted #1 plate. “The RS-GP25 has improved, and I felt at home again.”
With Martin nearly ready, Bastianini temporarily sidelined, and Alex Márquez back under observation, the 2025 MotoGP season continues to test riders’ resilience—and reshuffle the championship narrative.
