Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez has suffered a collarbone injury after crashing out of the Indonesian Grand Prix.
The Spaniard, 32, won his record-equalling seventh MotoGP championship at the last round in Japan.
But his Indonesia weekend ended in disaster when he was involved in a high-speed crash on lap one of the race.
Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi attempted a move up the inside of Marquez but made contacted with the champion's rear wheel, sending both riders into the gravel.
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Marquez was in visible pain after the incident, and it was subsequently confirmed that he had suffered a collarbone injury.
Ducati stated that they have found evidence of a fracture, and Marquez will now undergo further tests in Madrid.
He has since released a statement on his injury, in which he asked fans not to have 'hard feelings' towards Bezzecchi.
"Not the best way to celebrate the championship, but this is racing," he wrote on Twitter.
"Today, we'll fly to Madrid and the doctors will evaluate everything.
"Please, no hard feelings towards Marco, nobody does it on purpose. Thanks for all your support."
The Spaniard has suffered from a number of injuries in recent seasons, and stated in 2023 that he even considered retiring from MotoGP.
He broke his arm during the opening race in 2020 and missed the entire season.
In 2023, suffered a broken hand, ankle and ribs in a warm-up crash.
Altogether, between 2020 and 2023, Marquez sat out 31 races, before leaving Honda at the end of the latter season.
An injury-free season with Ducati in 2024 ended with the 32-year-old finishing in third place in the standings.
This year, Marquez has won 11 of the 18 races held, securing the championship with five rounds to spare.
With the next race, the Australian Grand Prix, taking place in two weeks' time, Ducati will doubtless already be looking at potential replacements for the number 93 bike.
Topics: Moto GP, Motorsport, Spain
Ryan Smart