What eyewitnesses are saying about Franco Morbidelli’s worrying off-camera crash at Spanish Grand Prix

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Franco Morbidelli crashed out of the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend in an incident that wasn’t shown on television. Morbidelli took no part in the Jerez test that followed.

The VR46 team initially reported that the Italian had suffered a ‘cervical concussion’, which was concerning given his previous head injury. However, they later clarified that it was in fact a ‘cervical contusion‘, citing a translation error.

Morbidelli was enjoying a solid weekend in Spain, having outqualified teammate Fabio di Giannantonio to take a 3-2 lead in the season head-to-head. Fabio Quartararo’s crash allowed him to progress from fifth to fourth in the Sprint.

The three-time race-winner was running P6 in the race when he went down at turn 11. VR46 said his absence from Monday’s test was purely a precaution, though he’d already hurt his neck in a turn four incident earlier in the weekend.

Franco Morbidelli appeared unconscious after Spanish Grand Prix crash, eyewitnesses say

There’s no indication at this stage that Morbidelli is a doubt for the French Grand Prix in a week and a half. But eyewitnesses have painted a more worrying picture than the official communications.

Fans on the scene believed Morbidelli was unconscious as he was taken away on a stretcher. This has been corroborated by an individual whom The Race’s Simon Patterson ‘trusts’.

Patterson notes that the customary ‘rider ok’ message didn’t flash up on the TV screens. The broadcast crews didn’t show a replay, which is typically the protocol in more serious cases.

In a social media post, Morbidelli expressed confidence that he’d be okay for Le Mans despite taking two ‘huge hits’. He will undergo further medical examination during the week.

The MotoGP moment that truly frightened Franco Morbidelli

Morbidelli has competed in every single MotoGP race since an absence in the summer of 2021. A knee injury kept him out for five races.

Last year, he took a full part in the season despite a serious winter crash on a road bike. He suffered memory loss after the incident, and the after-effects may have compromised his performances.

In a recent interview, Morbidelli admits he was scared ‘big time’. There will naturally be greater caution around any similar injuries he may suffer.

Roberto Locatelli backed Morbidelli to mount a title bid at the start of the month, but now that he’s fallen 56 points adrift, Alex Marquez looks like the only GP24 rider with a chance.