Jorge Martin’s Wheelie Crash Follows US GP Sprint Victory Celebration

Jorge Martin tumbled off his Aprilia as he celebrated his sprint victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. The 28-year-old attempted a wheelie on the in-lap and then lost control on the back straight.

Crash during celebrations

The front wheel came down and the bike slipped from under him. Martin sat with his head in his hands but walked back to the paddock uninjured. He told reporters, including Filmogaz.com, that he had pushed hard and accepted the risk.

What happened on track

Martin had started the weekend by qualifying seventh. He was more than half a second behind polesitter Fabio di Giannantonio.

In the sprint, he moved up to second before teammate Marco Bezzecchi passed him on lap seven. Bezzecchi then crashed three laps from the finish, opening the door for Martin.

Sprint victory and key moments

Martin chose a medium rear tyre that lasted to the end. That decision allowed him to close on Francesco Bagnaia late in the race.

He made a decisive inside pass at Turn 12 to take the lead. The win was his first in more than 500 days.

Reactions and context

Bagnaia joked about not performing wheelies on his bike. The incident was not unique in MotoGP history.

Earlier pre-season testing in Sepang saw di Giannantonio break his left collarbone while attempting a wheelie. That crash underlined the risk riders take while celebrating.

Recovery and recent form

Martin endured a difficult, injury-filled 2025 season after moving from Pramac Ducati to Aprilia. He visited hospital frequently while recovering from several setbacks.

He underwent two surgeries over the winter. Martin said he is not yet fully fit and felt pain and inflammation after the sprint.

Outlook

Despite the fall, Martin expressed gratitude to Aprilia for their support. He said he pushed to the limit and will work to reduce inflammation ahead of the next race.

• Rider: Jorge Martin, 28 years old.
• Event: United States GP sprint at Austin.
• Qualifying: P7, over 0.5s behind polesitter.
• Key laps: Overtaken on lap 7; rival crashed with three laps left.
• Decisive move: Inside pass on Francesco Bagnaia at Turn 12.
• Recent history: Two winter surgeries; injury-hit 2025 season.