MotoGP world champion rushed to hospital after crashing TWICE on the first day of pre-season testing and smashing his helmet face-first into the tarmac

MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin has been taken to hospital after he was involved in two crashes on the opening day of pre-season testing.

Martin, 27, is the defending world champion after claiming the title with Pramac Ducati last year, and he has since moved to Aprilia ahead of the new season.

But his start to life at his new team got off to a horrifying start as he took to the track for testing in Malaysia on Wednesday.

The Spaniard crashed early on in the session, but walked away unscathed and was able to continue.

However, after 13 laps of testing Martin lost control of his bike as he took a corner and went flying over the handlebars.

He came crashing back down to earth with a bang as he smashed his helmet face-first on the tarmac, and there was immediate concern for his wellbeing. 

Jorge Martin went flying over his handlebars and hit his head during pre-season testing

Martin had to be checked by medics and was later rushed to hospital for further tests

The red flag was quickly brought out to halt the practice session to enable Martin to receive treatment, and he was later taken to hospital for further checks. 

Martin was not the only rider to crash on Wednesday as Trackhouse star Raul Fernandez also fell off his bike and suffered hand and foot fractures, ruling him out of the remaining two days of testing.

The MotoGP season is due to get underway in just over three weeks, with the first race in Thailand set for March 2.  

Martin will hope to make a full recovery for that race, but will first need to get the all-clear from medics after a nightmare first day of testing.