Aprilia has released an extensive new update on the health condition of its MotoGP champion rider Jorge Martin, who remains in hospital in Doha after his Qatar Grand Prix crash.
Returning to MotoGP action after an absence required by a different injury, Martin fell during the Qatar GP and was hit by Fabio Di Giannantonio close behind - which led to injuries considerably more serious than first apparent from the world broadcast.
Since going from the Lusail circuit medical centre to Hamad General Hospital in Doha, Martin has remained there in the intensive care unit for treatment - but a new statement from Aprilia on Thursday says his condition is "showing a slow but steady improvement".
The initial diagnosis of pneumothorax has been upgraded to a hemopneumothorax, which means that, as a result of damage to the lung, there is not just air but blood in his chest cavity. He had also been diagnosed with 11 rib fractures.
Updates from the rider's personal Instagram account confirmed Martin is already on his feet, but also showed that he is still having to undergo artificial lung drainage on the right side "to allow lung re-expansion".
This is still in place as of Aprilia's latest update.
"To date, the situation is being monitored step by step," the team wrote. "It is essential that the lung is stably expanded; only then will it be detached from mechanical aspiration. After a further x-ray check, it will be possible to remove the drainage."
According to Franco Perona of Aprilia's medical partner Lifenet, the drainage has already "had a significant positive effect on the re-expansion" of Martin's lung.
Aprilia described the rib fractures as "causing significant pain" and being "an additional limitation to basic physical activity".
Martin will only be able to make "an assisted return to Europe once the safest conditions have been established", as per Aprilia - as flight presents a major complication risk in the case of a pneumothorax.
There is no official timeline in place right now for Martin's return to training, much less competition.
"At the conclusion of the more invasive treatments, a supervised recovery process will be required," Aprilia cautioned, "led by the medical team and including pain management therapy, respiratory physiotherapy, and continuous cardiovascular monitoring."
MotoGP chief doctor Angel Charte has been quoted by Aprilia as saying that Martin's injuries "are progressing satisfactorily".
"The chest drainage for his hemopneumothorax is progressing favorably," Charte said.
"His pain is under control, despite the rib fractures he has. For now, he must continue with the pulmonary drainage process until it is 90% resolved.
"After that, it will take some days before he can be transferred by medical aircraft to our hospital [Dexeus in Barcelona].
"He is also in a cheerful and strong mood. We must give him time until the clinical process is resolved, so that he can be transferred."
Jorge Martin's statement
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has supported me. These have been difficult days, but now I'm starting to move a bit more and feel better, although the pain is still intense.
"I'd like to thank Aprilia, my fans and everyone who is helping me. I will continue to fight to be one of the strongest ever”.
Martin missing multiple MotoGP races is naturally inevitable.
For now, Aprilia has simply confirmed his absence from the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez - where test rider Lorenzo Savadori will deputise him.
