A crash during a training session in Portimao last month has left Franco Morbidelli ruled out of MotoGP testing completely, but he is expected to be back in time for the first race of the season in Qatar.
Morbidelli suffered a major crash at the super-fast turn nine (Craig Jones Corner) at Portimao last month. He was tended to by Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez, who were first on the scene and stopped to help Morbidelli. The Marquez brothers and 2024 Gresini Racing teammates lay Morbidelli, who was unconscious, on his side, opened his leathers and removed his helmet to allow him to breathe.
Morbidelli has undergone several medical examinations since the crash, which determined he’d be unable to take part in further MotoGP preseason testing (which began today with the first day of the official Sepang Test, in which Michele Pirro replaced Morbidelli) as a result of a concussion sustained in the crash.
Morbidelli has signed for the Pramac Racing team for 2024, having been dropped by Yamaha at the end of 2023. The satellite Ducati team put out the following statement, updating on Morbidelli’s condition: “Following the dramatic crash sustained during a private test in Portimão last week, Franco Morbidelli underwent further examinations by Prof. Franco Servadei (neurologist) and Dr. Roberto Donati. Despite being in general good condition, the Prima Pramac Racing rider decided to undergo a thorough medical check before deciding whether to travel to Sepang or not.
“After the results of various exams, which indicated a good overall clinical picture, Prof. Franco Servadei recommended, as a precautionary measure, that Morbidelli should refrain from resuming sports activities for the next three weeks. Consequently, Franco will not be able to participate in the upcoming official test in Qatar (February 19-20).
“His return to the track is expected for the first MotoGP race of the 2024 season, scheduled at the Lusail International Circuit from 8-10 March.”
Morbidelli was in Portimao, along with the aforementioned Marquez brothers, as part of a combined on-track session between MotoGP riders and WorldSBK teams, who were conducting a preseason test. Other members of the VR46 Riders Academy, like Francesco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi, were also present, as well as 2024 Ducati MotoGP riders Fabio Di Giannantonio and Enea Bastianini.
Find all the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.
