Oliveira out of Argentine GP after crash, Marquez penalty amended
Honda Spanish rider Marc Marquez (R) checks on Aprilia Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira after crashing during the MotoGP race of the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal, March 26, 2023. (AFP Photo)


Miguel Oliveira has been ruled out of the Argentine Grand Prix after his team RNF Racing announced he had sustained injuries in a collision with Marc Marquez during the season-opening race in Portugal, making him the fourth rider to miss a MotoGP race this season.

Oliveira was in second place in the opening stages of his home Portuguese Grand Prix Sunday when Marquez locked up his Honda and barged straight into the RNF Racing rider as both crashed out of the race.

Oliveira was initially declared fit to race next weekend after medical checks showed he suffered only a contusion to his right leg, but his team later said he would now miss the second round in Argentina.

GasGas Factory Racing Tech3's Pol Espargaro missed the weekend's action after a horrific crash in practice. At the same time, Ducati's Enea Bastianini was taken to hospital after sustaining a right scapula fracture in a crash during Saturday's sprint.

Marquez, who apologized for his error, will also miss the second round due to a hand fracture, and his penalty now carries forward to the next race he enters.

"Considering the injury and non-participation of MotoGP rider Marc Marquez at the Argentina GP, the double long lap penalty shall be served in the next MotoGP race in which he will be able to participate," MotoGP said.