MotoGP Rider Morbidelli to Miss German Grand Prix Due to Collarbone Injury




Racing Spirit Endures, Even in the Face of Adversity
Unfortunate Incident Mars German GP Weekend for VR46 Rider
Franco Morbidelli, a key competitor from the VR46 team, has been confirmed to sit out the German Grand Prix. This decision comes after a severe left collarbone contusion was diagnosed, stemming from a dramatic crash during Saturday's sprint race. The Italian rider was promptly transported to a hospital in Chemnitz for comprehensive medical assessment after initial examinations at the circuit's medical facility.
The Growing List of Absences: Impact on the MotoGP Grid
Morbidelli's injury adds to a growing list of riders unable to compete at the German event. The Tech3 KTM team will also be entirely absent, following Enea Bastianini's appendicitis diagnosis and Maverick Vinales's shoulder fracture sustained during qualifying. With the second LCR Honda spot also vacant due to Somkiat Chantra's recent training accident, Sunday's main race will see a significantly reduced grid of just 18 riders.
Sprint Race Drama: Morbidelli's High-Speed Tumble
The crash occurred during the sprint race when Morbidelli, then holding an impressive second position, lost control of his Ducati at Turn 8. The incident was triggered by contact with a wet white line, leading to a high-speed fall that saw his bike cartwheel through the gravel trap. This marked the second incident for the Roman rider at the same left-hander on Saturday, having also crashed during the latter stages of qualifying.
A Glimpse of Potential: Morbidelli's Form Before the Setback
Despite the unfortunate crashes, Morbidelli had shown considerable pace throughout the weekend. Even with the qualifying tumble, his lap time was strong enough to secure a fourth-place starting position, marking his best grid performance of 2025 since Aragon. His initial performance in the sprint race, where he swiftly moved into second place behind Marco Bezzecchi's Aprilia, hinted at a strong potential that was tragically cut short by the crash.
Uncertainty Looms: Weather Conditions and Rider Recovery
While Bezzecchi's teammate Fabio di Giannantonio managed a fourth-place finish in the sprint race despite the challenging wet conditions, his preference for dry weather remains. Forecasts suggest showers for Sunday's Grand Prix, potentially impacting strategy and performance. Meanwhile, Morbidelli's return to racing, specifically for the upcoming Czech Grand Prix, hinges on further medical evaluations scheduled for Monday in Italy.