Fabio Quartararo endured a dramatic start to Friday afternoon practice at the Italian MotoGP in Mugello after suffering a partial dislocation of his left shoulder — but remarkably returned to the track just minutes later.
The 2021 world champion, who previously won at Mugello that same year, crashed at Turn 4 and was seen pointing urgently to his shoulder while on the ground. Marshals assisted him at the scene, but his request to rejoin on the damaged Yamaha was denied.
Quartararo returned to the paddock via scooter and was immediately examined by MotoGP’s medical chief Dr. Angel Charte. Dorna’s Jack Appleyard later confirmed the Frenchman had sustained a “partial dislocation of the left shoulder,” explaining his on-track distress.
Despite the setback, Quartararo was back on his Yamaha M1 within 15 minutes and steadily improved his pace, reaching sixth by the session’s midpoint. He later declined an ice pack offered by his team, determined to stay focused on riding.
In a gritty performance, Quartararo pushed through the pain to secure the fifth-fastest lap of the session — booking a direct spot in Qualifying 2. However, he was clearly struggling physically during and after the run.
Pramac Yamaha’s Jack Miller also suffered a fall later in the session, sliding off at the final corner, though without any reported injury.
