Michele Pirro in place of Jorge Martin at Italian MotoGP

Injured MotoGP rookie Jorge Martin is to miss a fourth grand prix race after electing to delay his return to action until Catalunya, on June 4-6.

Martin took a brilliant pole position and a podium at the second Qatar round, but then suffered multiple injuries during a big free practice fall at the following Portimao event.

Surgery was lrequired on his hand, ankle and knee, with the initial aim of missing Jerez and Le Mans but returning at Mugello this weekend.

However, 'After listening to the opinions and the reflections made by the doctors, Jorge Martin will return in time for the Catalunya Grand Prix,' said a Pramac statement.

'The conditions of the Spanish rider are without a doubt improving, but for him to return in time for Mugello does not seem to be the best choice due to how tough and demanding that circuit is.'

Tito Rabat replaced Martin in the two previous rounds, scoring a point at Le Mans, but is busy with WorldSBK duties this weekend and Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will instead be alongside Johann Zarco at Pramac.

Pirro has made frequent wild-card appearances at Mugello alongside his Ducati testing duties, with a best result of seventh place in both 2013 and 2019.