Image: Supplied.

Jed Beaton has declared he’ll sit out this weekend’s opening round of the 2019 MXGP World Championship after fracturing multiple vertebrae during the practice session of Sunday’s Lacapelle Marival International Motocross in France.

Beaton’s team, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, initially stated the Tasmanian avoided injury, however further medical consultation has revealed injuries deemed too serious to take part in this weekend’s event.

The former Australian champion was set to make his return to the MX2 World Champion at the Argentinian round after crashing out of last season with double-leg injuries, this latest injury coming as a bitter blow in his first season as a full-time factory rider.

“So devastated to say I won’t be lining up at Argentina,” said Beaton in statement. “A crash yesterday at Lacapelle left me with a few fractures in my vertebrae – I will do my best to be back at GPs as fast as possible! Thanks to the whole team for support and all hard work through this whole off season. We will be back soon.”

Beaton’s recovery time is still to be determined, however the schedule will play into his favour as one month remains until round two at Matterley Basin in the UK on 24 March. Compatriot Mitch Evans will make his world championship debut this weekend with Team Honda 114 Motorsport.