MotoGP Portimao: Enea Bastianini diagnosed with fractured collarbone following Luca Marini collision

Enea Bastianini will miss tomorrow’s Portuguese Grand Prix and the entre Argentina meeting next weekend after sustaining a fractured collarbone in the first-ever Sprint Race at Portimao.

The Italian was hit by fellow Ducati rider Luca Marini at turn five, with the former crashing whilst trying to down the inside of Bastianini, who hit the ground hard as a result.

Bastianini was taken to the medical centre, and it was revealed that he’d fractured his right collarbone. He was transferred to hospital for further checks.

“Bastianini sustained a right scapula fracture following a crash in today’s Sprint Race,” a tweet from Ducati Corse said. “Wish a speedy recovery to Enea Bastianini. Following today’s injury, Enea will be forced to sit out tomorrow’s race and next week’s ArgentinaGP. Evolution of his condition will determine his return to racing. Come back soon, Enea!!”

The incident was placed under investigation by race direction, but no further action was taken against Marini.

The injury is a huge blow to Bastianini’s championship hopes, even at this early stage in the season. Following his move from Gresini Racing to the factory Ducati team, Bastianini was expected to lead the charge against reigning champion Bagnaia.

Bastianini is the second rider to have been ruled out of action this weekend. Pol Espargaro sustained a pulmonary contusion, a jaw fracture, and a fractured dorsal vertebra after a crash at Turn 10 during FP2.

Espargaro did not lose consciousness at any point, and it’s been confirmed that he has not sustained any neurological or neck injuries.

“He has suffered severe spinal trauma and a contusion to his lungs which we will have to monitor closely,” MotoGP Medical Director Dr. Angel Charte told the media on Friday evening.

“Although I think he will recover well, we need to conduct the appropriate tests to determine the extent of his injuries. He is conscious, alert, and responding well. He is slightly sedated due to the painkillers we have administered. He can move his feet, legs, and arms perfectly well, so there is no reason to fear any permanent spinal injury.”

“His oxygen levels are good, but he has quite a significant lung contusion, the extent of which we will need to confirm with CT scans and MRIs at Faro hospital.”

It’s not yet known who will replace either rider in the coming rounds. Michele Pirro would be the most obvious choice for Ducati as the brand’s test rider, whilst KTM has test riders Dani Pedrosa, Mika Kallio, and Jonas Folger available to replace Espargaro within the Tech3 team.