“It’s a day of mixed feelings for Aprilia,” a team spokesperson said after Saturday’s MotoGP sprint at Assen. While Maverick Viñales finished in third place, thus reaching fifth position in the general classification, the joy was tarnished by the accidents of his teammates Aleix Espargaró and Lorenzo Savadori.
Both drivers suffered independent falls that resulted in serious injuries.
Lorenzo Savadoriwho was running in 18th place, crashed in turn 8 at the start of the race, whileAleix Espargaró lost control of his
Aprilia on the final lap as he battled for sixth place behind Fabio DiGiannantonio (VR46-Ducati). In turn 15, Espargaró slid, the front wheel of his bike giving way, causing a series of spectacular rolls across the gravel bed.
The consequences of the falls were severe. Savadori suffered lumbar spinal fractures, confirmed after examinations at the nearby hospital. He was declared “unfit” for Sunday’s Grand Prix, a decision that ends his race weekend. The fall of
Savadori was not broadcast on television, but his condition was quickly assessed as serious.
Aprilia :
« Aleix Espargaró will undergo a medical check on Sunday before the warm-up to determine if he can race »
Espargarofor his part, suffered a fracture of the fifth metacarpal of the right hand. After initial treatment at the circuit medical centre, he was taken to hospital for further examinations. X-rays of Espargaró’s right hand show a simple fracture of the fifth metacarpal” he said.
Aprilia in a press release. This was confirmed by a CT scan.He will undergo a medical check on Sunday before the warm-up to determine if he can race.. »
The performance of Vinales brings some comfort to Apriliabut uncertainty remains over the participation ofEspargaro in the main race. The team hopes that he will be able to start, but his presence will depend on the results of the medical check. The team
Aprilia must now prepare for the main race with a reduced team and the hope that their injured driver can recover quickly.
MotoGP, Assen: Starting Grid
MotoGP, Assen: Sprint classification
Championship:
