A MOTOGP star was brought crashing down to earth seconds after winning a sprint race.
Jorge Martin of Aprilia racing overtook Francesco Bagnaia on the final lap of the race to secure a late victory at the Circuit of the Americas.
It was the Spaniard’s first race win in the competition since his World Championship-winning season in 2024.
But the elation of the checkered flag quickly fell away to embarrassment after a joyful celebration went horribly wrong.
Martin marked his win with a celebratory wheelie at high speeds.
But as his front wheel touched back down, it skidded and he lost control of the bike, which fell onto its side.
Martin was thrown from the bike and slid along the track on his hands and knees for a considerable distance.
And to add insult to injury, the 28-year-old appeared to slip over when he finally tried to stand up.
He might not have been laughing at the bizarre incident, but fans certainly saw the funny side of the fiasco.
One fan joked: “That is the worst!!!! He will never live that down from the other riders!!!”
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Another added: “Can only imagine control room’s reaction, head of operations was probably facepalming.”
And a cheeky third fan labelled the incident: “The fastest ever knee slide celebration.”
Thankfully, Martin was able to get up and continue his celebrations unscathed.
The 12 points were enough to push him to the top of the MotoGP Championship standings, ahead of team-mate Marco Bezzecchi.
But his chances in the race proper on Sunday night look trickier, starting in seventh on the starting grid, behind legendary racer Marc Marquez.
