During practice for French Grand Prix at Le Mans, Team Suzuki ECSTAR’s Aleix Espargaro suffered one of the scariest high sides observed so far in 2015 MotoGP.
The Spaniard and his GSX-RR were launched into the air at around 125 mph, and Espargaro ruptured a ligament in his throttle hand’s thumb. Regardless, Espargaro qualified 10th, though he suffered a DNF come race day due to clutch issues.
Following the French GP, Espargaro headed for surgery for thumb reconstruction. Before the May 19th operation, Team Suzuki ECSTAR said the main objective was to get Espargaro healthy for round six of 18 – the Grand Prix of Italy at Mugello.
This objective was accomplished, the team confirming that Espargaro underwent a “positive ultrasound examination today in Barcelona to evaluate the recovery process of his injured right hand.”
Though he is confirmed, further evaluations will be completed day-by-day in terms of pain and riding capabilities.
“I’m happy because doctors said the recovery process is positive and I definitely want to try to race. The crash in Le Mans was one of the worst in my career; I suffered a lot of pain and also my right thumb ligament got broken. Dr. Mir and his colleagues did a great job with the surgery, everything went well and my recovery has been good. I don’t feel 100 percent, but I definitely want to get back riding and join my team for the race in Italy,” Espargaro says.
“This race will be tough, Mugello’s straight is so long and we will probably suffer a little on top-speed, but at the same time the track in its whole is very fast and on this matter our chassis can make a real positive difference. I like fast tracks; this will help me get over this injury and make for a positive weekend.”