Austria MotoGP Drama! Aprilia Device Hurts Martin & Fernandez

Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez of the Aprilia team faced technical setbacks during the 2025 Austrian MotoGP sprint at the Red Bull Ring. Issues with ride height devices disrupted their performance, preventing potential point-scoring finishes. Drawing from detailed analysis of official reports, this article summarizes the incidents, their impact, and future prospects.

Reigning 2024 MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin, returning from a prolonged injury, started the sprint from 14th on the grid. Despite climbing to seventh by the first corner, a malfunctioning ride height device forced him to cut the Turn 2 chicane, dropping him to 16th. Nevertheless, Martin recovered to finish 10th, narrowly missing the final point behind Johann Zarco.

Reflecting on the race, Martin said, “I enjoyed it, though I’m disappointed with the first lap. I was in seventh, but the device didn’t disengage, so I had to go straight at Turn 2.” He emphasized his positive feelings about the Aprilia’s performance, noting a 1:30.0 lap time and overtaking riders like Pecco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo.

Similarly, Trackhouse Aprilia’s Raul Fernandez encountered issues with his rear ride height device. Starting from ninth, he was on track for a strong result until lap 10 of 14, when the device jammed, forcing his retirement. “When I was in fifth, I felt something was wrong. I tried to push, but the device failed,” Fernandez explained. Despite the setback, he highlighted his exceptional race start as a positive for the main race.

Ride height device failures have emerged as a recurring challenge in the 2025 MotoGP season, with a notable precedent involving Fabio Quartararo at the British Grand Prix. These incidents underscore the technical complexities of optimizing such devices. For Aprilia, resolving these issues is critical to ensuring reliability in future races.

Martin remains focused on progress, expressing confidence in his improving form. Fernandez, buoyed by his strong start, is optimistic about the main race on August 17, 2025. With technical adjustments, both riders are poised for a competitive showing.

Technical issues with ride height devices curtailed Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez’s chances in the 2025 Austrian MotoGP sprint. However, their resilience signals potential for a strong rebound. For the latest MotoGP updates, visit SPORTRIK.