Doha Grand Prix rookie podium finisher Jorge Martin will not race at this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix, after suffering broken bones in a massive out-lap highside during this morning’s practice session at the Portimao circuit.
The Pramac Ducati rider crashed as he exited the pits for the final time attack of the session hoping to secure a Q2 spot, falling at turn three and causing the red flags to bring the session to a pause.
Marin required extensive medical treatment after being cartwheeled through the air with his bike when both of them transitioned from the asphalt run-off to the gravel trap.
He didn’t escape uninjured, with a broken thumb and suspected further fractures to his foot.
He has been transported by air ambulance to hospital in Faro for further checks, but is conscious and suffered no head trauma – an initial concern – team boss Francesco Guidotti confirmed to The Race.
Martin had a difficult opening day to the action at the Portuguese Grand Prix after suffering from chatter on corner exit, explaining that the bike was at times dangerous to ride around the rollercoaster Portimao circuit.
“When I exited from the corners, I felt a lot of shaking from the rear,” he explained to The Race.
“It was similar to the first crash I had with the bike in Qatar, this pumping and shaking exiting from fast corners, and I couldn’t give full throttle – I had to be very careful and it was costing me a lot of time.
“We weren’t expecting to be in that position, but as soon as I began the practice I felt a lot of movement from the bike. It was really dangerous and I was feeling scared about some of them.”
