Injury rules out John for the next two races
Oban’s John McPhee will not take part in the Portimao and Jerez Grand Prixs after failing medical clearance last week.
A statement from the Sterilgarda Max Racing Team explained the Oban rider has not fully recovered from a back injury.
Dr Charte, MotoGP medical director, said: ‘After careful evaluation, and with the help of another specialist, we considered it too dangerous to let John race.
‘From a careful analysis of the fracture to the two vertebrae, it was considered more time was necessary to allow the fracture to properly consolidate.’
The Max Racing Team commented: ‘All this is necessary to ensure the safety of our rider. For this reason, John missed the Portuguese Grand Prix and will be out of the race that will be held in Jerez this weekend.
‘John will be subjected to a further examination before the French Grand Prix on May 15 to carefully assess his condition and only then will his participation in the
Grand Prix be decided.’ John said: ‘After my latest medical checkup I was gutted to hear I was declared unfit for the races in Portimao and Jerez.
‘This came as a surprise as I felt like I had made very good progress with my recovery but we need to respect the decision of the doctors with the fractures being in a delicate area.
‘I will return home and continue my rehab and hopefully be back strong in LeMans.’