MotoGP: Miguel Oliveira to miss Argentina Grand Prix following Marc Marquez incident at Portimao

Miguel Oliveira has been ruled out of this weekend’s MotoGP meeting in Argentina following the incident involving Marc Marquez at Portimao.

The Portuguese rider, who was second at the time, was hit by Marquez on the run into turn three on the third lap of the race. Marquez locked up under braking and made contact with Jorge Martin before colliding with Oliveira.

Both Marquez and Oliveira were out of the race, whilst Martin dropped down the order and later retired. It was later revealed that Martin has sustained a broken toe as a result of being struck by Marquez.

After the race, initial scans at the medical centre were positive in that there were no fractures or extensive damage caused to Oliveira’s body. However, further scans on Monday have revealed injuries which will keep him out of action in Argentina.

A statement from RNF Racing said:

“Following his crash at the Portuguese Grand Prix, Oliveira underwent further testing in his hometown where further damage have been revealed, which doesn’t allow him to start the second GP of the season.
 
“Despite the setback, Oliveira remains committed to his goal of being competitive in the World Championship and will focus on his recovery in order to return to the saddle of his Aprilia RS-GP at round three of the season in Austin, Texas just two weeks later.
 
“The entire CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP team wishes Oliveira a speedy recovery and looks forward to his return to racing. He will not be replaced in Argentina.
 
“Updates regarding his condition will be released by the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team in the near future.”

Remarkably, Oliveira becomes the fourth rider to be ruled out of the second MotoGP round of the 2023 season. Marquez will also miss the event have undergoing surgery on a fractured first metacarpal in his right hand. The six-time champion had been handed a double long lap penalty as a result of the incident in Portugal, but this will no longer need to be served.

Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini is recovering from surgery on his broken collarbone. The factory Ducati rider was clattered into by Luca Marini during the first-ever sprint race on Saturday afternoon.

Pol Espargaro remains in hospital after his huge crash during FP2 at Portimao. The Spaniard is out of action indefinitely after sustaining fractures to his back and jaw, and damage to his lungs.

Whilst currently confirmed as a participant, Martin will not be at 100% either as a result of the aforementioned broken toe.

As things stand, only 18 riders will line-up on the MotoGP grid in Argentina.