Source: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing has revealed Max Anstie will be sidelined from the weekend’s MXGP of Portugal as he continues to recover from a concussion sustained at Valencia’s third round in Spain.

The British suffered the head injury during the warm-up in Spain, ultimately ruling him out of the weekend’s racing, along with last week’s grand prix in Italy.

Anstie underwent further evaluation this week in preparation for the fifth round of the MXGP World Championship, however was ordered by doctors to rest more prior to returning to competition.

“Of course everyone in our team is disappointed for Max that he’s unable to join us and compete this weekend at the GP of Portugal, but our priority is Max and his wellbeing,” said team manager Antti Pyrhönen. “He needs more time to recover from his crash in Spain. Only when he is fully ready to return to competition will he do so.”

Frenchman Gautier Pauling will fly the flag for the factory outfit, prompting the team to dismiss the idea of enlisting a temporary fill-in rider.