Sterilgarda Husqvarna’s John McPhee will not take part in the Portimao and Jerez Grands Prix after failing medical clearance on Thursday.

A statement from the Max Racing Team explained the Scotsman’s recovery has not reached a desirable level to allow safe competition.

“Dr Charte, MotoGP Medical Director, after a careful evaluation, and with the help of another specialist, considered it too dangerous to let John race,’ the team clarified. “In fact from a careful analysis of the fracture to the two vertebrae, it was considered that more time was necessary to allow the fracture to properly consolidate.”

“All this is absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of our pilot. For this reason, John McPhee will definitely miss the Portuguese Grand Prix and also the race that will be held in Jerez next week.

“John will be subjected to a further examination before the French Grand Prix, in order to carefully assess his condition and only then, his participation in the Grand Prix will be defined.”

David Salvador will replace McPhee in this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix.