Defending MotoGP champion Jorge Martin’s return to the world championship was disastrous after the Aprilia rider suffered a crash at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, resulting in rib and lung injuries.

Martin was competing in his first Grand Prix of the season, having missed the first three rounds of the season following a serious accident during pre-season testing, in which he broke his foot and hand, requiring surgery.

The Spanish rider fell on the bump at Turn 11 under the floodlights at the Losail International Circuit and struggled to get to his feet before being taken to the medical center.

Aprilia said in a statement: “Jorge Martin underwent a CT scan which showed an increase in the pneumothorax… The rider will remain under observation for several days in the hospital until the pneumothorax resolves.”

The team added that he would be taken to the hospital for tests to determine the extent of the injury, without specifying a return date.

The championship resumes with the Spanish Grand Prix from the 25th to the 27th of this month.