Tito Rabat to replace Jorge Martin at Spanish MotoGP

Injured rookie star Jorge Martin will miss next weekend's Spanish MotoGP and be replaced by Tito Rabat.

Pramac Ducati rider Martin, who took a brilliant pole position and podium in the second Qatar round, will undergo surgery in Barcelona today after suffering fractures to the metacarpal of his right thumb, the right malleolus (ankle) and left tibial plateau (knee) in a huge out-lap fall on Saturday morning in Portimao.

The young Spaniard was conscious but clearly in a lot of pain and required extensive treatment in the gravel trap before eventually being moved to a waiting ambulance. Martin is now set to miss not only the Portimao race and entire Jerez weekend, but also a Monday post-race test.

Normally, Ducati test rider Michele Pirro would step in to replace an injured Ducati MotoGP rider, but the Italian is taking part in 'important' testing at Mugello on April 29-30, to prepare for the factory's home round.

Rabat has therefore been offered the ride.

The former Moto2 world champion spent five seasons in MotoGP, the last three of which were on an Avintia Ducati, before moving to WorldSBK with Barni Racing Ducati for 2021.