Motorcycling superstar Marc Marquez suffered a terrifying cartwheeling MotoGP crash and broke his foot in today's MotoGP sprint race in France.

The 33-year-old Spaniard was launched into the air after losing control at Turn 14 on the penultimate lap, with his Ducati machine somersaulting across the circuit in a dramatic incident witnessed by stunned fans and fellow riders. 

Marquez appeared to land heavily on his head before skidding across the track surface. Medics rushed to the scene moments later as the rider slowly got back to his feet.

Although he was able to walk away from the crash, Marquez was visibly struggling and avoided putting any weight on his right foot while being helped to the medical centre.

A later X-ray confirmed the reigning champion had fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.

His Ducati team later confirmed the extent of the injury in a statement, revealing Marquez would immediately travel to Madrid for surgery.

The statement read: 'Following the crash during the sprint at the French GP and after a medical check and X-ray, Marc Marquez was declared unfit for a fifth metatarsal fracture in his right foot.

'He will fly to Madrid tonight to undergo surgery. He will not participate in the Catalan GP.'

The horror smash means Marquez will miss both Sunday's French Grand Prix and next weekend's Catalan Grand Prix.

The crash marks another setback for the veteran rider, who only recently returned to title-winning form after several injury-plagued seasons.

Marquez, widely regarded as one of MotoGP's greatest riders, won six premier-class world championships with Honda between 2013 and 2019 before ending a lengthy title drought with Ducati last year.

Despite entering the season as the defending champion, he currently sits fifth in the standings after a difficult start to the campaign.