Pramac Ducati rider Scott Redding admits he feels lucky not to have been severely injured when he encountered the tire problem that has prompted Michelin’s MotoGP investigation.

Redding was riding through Turn 6 of Termas de Rio Hondo in the practice session before Argentinian Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday when he encountered a sudden issue with the rear tire.

Pieces of the Michelin littered the circuit with bodywork from Redding’s bike, which the Briton was safely able to stop. Michelin will investigate the incident overnight, and may choose to withdraw the medium-compound rear tire from Sunday’s race.

Despite sporting a significant mark on his back from tire debris, Redding acknowledged it could have been far worse.

“It was really scary,” he said. “I felt chattering with the rear tire then something hit me. I saw pieces of the bike fly anywhere. I thought the tire had exploded and I was getting ready for a nasty crash. But a few moments later I felt that the tire working again as there was still air in. I managed to run off the track without falling and I feel lucky to be standing here to tell it.”

After the first of two red flag periods, Redding rejoined the action on his spare bike and jumped up the leaderboard in the fourth practice session.

Having felt he started to “glimpse the right path” before the tire drama, Redding was ultimately not able to make it to the second phase of qualifying, and will start 14th.

“I went into Q1 determined but it is clear that my confidence, especially in that [Turn 6], wasn’t at the maximum,” he said. “To be honest I feel good for tomorrow. This morning we struggled a lot but in the afternoon I was close the Q2 lap times. Tomorrow will be a long race, if I can find consistency then everything will happen.”