MotoGP: Jorge Martin excluded from the Emilia Romagna GP after the second positive Covid-19 test

Jorge Martin has tested positive for Covid-19 again



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Jorge Martin was banned from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Misano after his last Covid-19 test was positive.

Martin missed the San Marino GP last weekend on the same track after testing positive for the condition. It was a heavy blow for Martin, who was just eight points behind championship leader Luca Marini before the race weekend.

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After Marini won last weekend in Misano, Martin is now 33 points behind the Italian. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider is currently fourth in the overall standings and another win for Marini this weekend will almost ruin Martin’s hopes for the title.

The team is hiring an experienced replacement for this weekend’s race, with Mattia Pasini taking Martins’ place. The Italian has a wealth of experience in 125cc and Moto2, including intermediate class wins at the 2018 Italian GP and the 2019 Argentina GP.

Pasini won the 2007 125cc race in Misano and finished second behind Hector Barbera at the 2009 250cc San Marino GP.

“I’m very happy to be back on track, especially at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, my home race,” said Pasini. “I’m very sorry about what Jorge Martin is going through. I hope he can come back soon and in the meantime I’ll take good care of his bike. I would like to thank Red Bull KTM Ajo for giving me this opportunity. I am sure it will be a nice weekend.

“I want to enjoy this round, do a professional job and try to take progressive steps forward. I will work hard to bring home a good result.”

Meanwhile, rumors of Martin’s possible move to Pramac Ducati in 2021 are likely to continue in the coming days after Red Bull KTM Ajo announced Remy Gardner’s signing for 2021.

MotoGP: Jorge Martin misses the San Marino GP after a positive Covid-19 test

First published: September 15, 2020 by Josh Close

Jorge Martin Covid-19

Moto2 World Championship contender Jorge Martin won’t be able to compete in the San Marino Grand Prix this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider is one of two positive tests ahead of the action this weekend in Misano, which also affects a mechanic from another team. Both cases are asymptomatic and they are now safely isolated. Martin and the other person concerned did not enter the paddock for the event.

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It’s a real blow for Martin, who is in the middle of the fight for the title with Luca Marini and Enea Bastianini. Eight points cover the top three of the standings, but Martin, who won the Austrian GP, ​​is likely to lose ground this weekend.

“Jorge Martin was unable to travel to San Marino due to a positive test for COVID-19,” confirmed a team statement. “The Spaniard is comfortable and will be quarantined at home, observing the safety protocols of the health authorities. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team is hoping to get back to the paddock quickly to continue the great work of the final laps.” “




Martin becomes the first GP rider to test positive for coronavirus after Dorna put in place strict and thorough safety measures to prevent the disease from spreading. Access was restricted throughout the season, with regular testing and social bubbles. Everyone in the paddock must also wear a protective mask.

There was only one positive COVID-19 test before this race meeting, with a TV employee testing positive in Brno. The affected person and those who had close contact were placed in self-isolation.

MotoGP has carried out more than 14,000 tests for Covid-19 since before the Spanish Grand Prix and safely identified and isolated every positively diagnosed case.