As a result of his crash in the Assen sprint, Aleix Espargaro has severe pain in his right hand – Doctors initially give the green light – But it won’t be easy for him
The Assen race weekend has ended in pain for Aleix Espargaro. The Spaniard fell off his Aprilia in the finishing chicane during practice on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, the experienced rider then suffered worse
“Unfortunately, Assen was a track where I could have fought for the podium,” said the 34-year-old. “We started very fast there, but then I made two big mistakes. There were two heavy crashes.”
In the sprint, Espargaro crashed on the last lap in turn 15, the fast left-hand corner before the final chicane. He somersaulted several times in the gravel. A fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone in his right hand was diagnosed in hospital.
Espargaro was given the green light by the doctors for the warm-up. But he decided against it and did not take to the track. The 34-year-old then also decided not to take part in the Grand Prix.
One week after Assen, Espargaro made the journey to the Sachsenring. On Thursday, he was again given the green light by the MotoGP doctors. He is allowed to take part in Friday morning’s training session. Afterwards there will be another check by the doctors.
“I’m in a lot of pain and can barely close my hand. I have no strength in my hand,” Espargaro describes his condition. “I have a special glove and also a modification to the handlebar grip. But it will be very difficult.”
“But it’s the last race before the summer break. That’s why I’m not planning to stay at home. I want to try it on Friday.” Afterwards, it will be evaluated whether Espargaro will be able to contest the rest of the weekend.
The special layout of the Sachsenring is what makes his comeback attempt possible in the first place. This is because the track consists of ten left-hand corners and only three right-hand corners. “I wouldn’t have traveled to any other track,” confirmed the Spaniard.
“There is only one hard braking zone for a right-hander before turn 1. The rest of the track is very smooth to ride. I have no pain on the left. I’ll try it tomorrow, we’ll see. I’m not perfect. It will be very difficult. “
