There were moments of apprehension this afternoon at Portimao, due to the red flag coming out shortly after 3.30pm, Italian time, following Franco Morbidelli's crash in Turn 9. The new Pramac Racing team rider ended up on the ground after losing control of his Panigale V4S after the crest and was promptly helped by the brothers Marc and Alex Marquez and taken to the medical centre for checks, which fortunately did not reveal anything serious.
A nasty crash for Franco, currently involved in a training session together with the two Gresini and the VR46 Riders Academy riders. We contacted the VR46 entourage, who fortunately assured us that Morbidelli is fine and did not suffer anything serious in the accident.
Photo credit: Michele Mura