MotoGP champion Martin to miss season opener

Jorge Martin, the reigning MotoGP champion, has had hand surgery for the second time in less than a month.

The Spaniard, 27, crashed on day one of Malaysia’s pre-season testing earlier this month, breaking his right hand.

After suffering fractures in a training accident before Sunday’s Thailand opener, the Aprilia rider will now undergo surgery on his left hand.

Martin will undergo surgery in Barcelona on Tuesday, but he won’t be able to compete in Thailand’s opening Grand Prix. His recovery time will be determined after the operation.

Aprilia have confirmed that Italy’s Lorenzo Savadori will replace Martin in Sunday’s race.