Oliveira to miss French MotoGP with injury as Savadori stands in
Miguel Oliveira has been ruled out of MotoGP action for the second time this season through injury as he will miss the French Grand Prix and be replaced by Lorenzo Savadori.
The RNF Aprilia rider sustained a dislocated and fractured left shoulder in a crash with Fabio Quartararo on the opening lap of last Sunday’s Spanish GP which triggered an early red flag.
Oliveira was unable to make the restart due to his injuries – now fully diagnosed as a dislocated left shoulder, fracture in the humerus and an anterior ligamentous labrum injury – which have also ruled him out of competing at the French GP on 12-14 May.
Aprilia test rider Savadori will step in for the Portuguese rider at Le Mans for RNF Aprilia, fresh from the post-Spanish GP test on Monday.
Oliveira will not require surgery for his latest injuries, but doctors have ordered him to focus on recovery before making a comeback. It is expected that his physical condition will be assessed in the build-up to the Italian GP at Mugello on 9-11 June.
It will be the second MotoGP round Oliveira has missed through injury in 2023, having been absent for the Argentina round after being involved in a crash triggered by Marc Marquez in the season opener in Portugal.
Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia Racing
Photo by: Dorna
Long-time Aprilia MotoGP test rider Savadori will make his first competitive outing since a wildcard entry at last year’s Austrian GP. The Italian made five outings in total last year for Aprilia, but failed to score a point in any of the races.
An RNF Aprilia team statement read: “While immediate medical attention successfully repositioned his dislocated left shoulder, further assessments revealed a more severe injury, including a fracture in the humerus and an anterior ligamentous labrum injury.
“Although Oliveira and his doctors have decided against surgery, he will need to focus on the healing process and will not be able to participate in the French round. The team wishes him a speedy recovery and looks forward to welcoming him back for the Italian GP.
“The entire team remains focused and committed to achieving success on the track, even with this setback.”
Le Mans is set to host the return of Marquez after he underwent surgery following the crash with Oliveira in Portugal, having missed the last three rounds.
Share Or Save This Story
What is the F1 summer break and why does it happen every year?
Mercedes could opt for Kimi Antonelli to take F1 engine penalty at Italian GP
The Red Bull seat nobody is talking about – and why that's the biggest compliment of all
BMW’s ascent from an also-ran to WEC title contender
The best drives of the 2026 F1 season so far, according to our writers
Dale Earnhardt's grandson Wyatt Miller flips wildly in crash, but drives away
Denny Hamlin breaks down pit struggles that cost No. 11 team
How MotoGP's summer break has revitalised Aprilia's factory team
What we learned from MotoGP’s return at the British GP
The humble origin story of a MotoGP powerhouse
Does nobody want to win the 2026 MotoGP title?
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments