Marquez hit with double long-lap penalty for Portimao smash

The six-time MotoGP champion started on pole in Portimao, but a costly mistake brought his race to a premature end.

Marquez ploughed into Miguel Oliveira at Turn 3 early in the race, resulting in both riders dramatically crashing out.

The Spaniard also forced Jorge Martin wide, which saw his compatriot lose several positions.

Marquez could miss the next round in Argentina, as he waits to discover if he suffered a fracture to the first metacarpal bone in his right hand.

If he is passed fit for that race, the 30-year-old will face a penalty after the stewards ruled that he was guilty of irresponsible riding.

Home hero @_moliveira88 couldn't see it coming! @marcmarquez93 clipped @88jorgemartin and wiped the @rnfracingteam rider out of contention #PortugueseGP ?? pic.twitter.com/ij6lawV1Jt

— MotoGP (@MotoGP) March 26, 2023

Marquez said: "Honestly speaking, I am not worried about Argentina. Today, the most important is that Miguel is okay. Because I did a big mistake on Turn [3], in the first part, and this created everything.

"I braked and had a massive lock with the front tyre. That meant that I released the brakes. My intention was to go to the left side. But the bike stayed on a lean and I couldn't avoid going to the right side.

"I was able to avoid Martin but couldn't avoid Miguel. I was very worried for him because the contact was big.

"I already said it personally – but I want to say sorry to him, to his team, to the Portuguese fans. I have been penalised for that mistake with a double long lap penalty, that I completely, completely agree.

"But apart from that, I have a few injuries – my hand, my knee. We need to check. Let's see. At the moment it's not the most important, my situation."