MotoGP Valencia Opener Hit by Delays, Injury Returns

Valencia, Spain – The MotoGP season finale at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo kicked off Friday with delays and returns from injury, as reigning champion Jorge Martin made his comeback after a turbulent year sidelined by crashes, while world champion Marc Marquez remained absent due to his own shoulder injury.

The opening MotoGP free practice session was postponed by more than 40 minutes after a red flag interrupted Moto2 practice. Riders Ayumu Sasaki and Adrian Huertas crashed separately at Turn 6, prompting officials to halt proceedings for track conditions. The incident, involving a high-side fall for Huertas, the 2024 World Supersport champion, pushed MotoGP practice back to 10:10 a.m. local time. Updated schedules saw Moto3 and Moto2 sessions proceed with minor adjustments, setting the stage for a full day of on-track action later in the afternoon.

Martin, the 2024 title winner now riding for Aprilia, marked only his eighth appearance in 22 rounds this season. Preseason training accidents kept him out until July, followed by a sprint race collision with teammate Marco Bezzecchi at the Japanese Grand Prix that fractured his collarbone. Cleared by MotoGP medical staff on Thursday...