Ducati motorcycle team announced on Sunday that its rider Francesco Bagnaia has returned to Italy to undergo surgery, following a double fracture in his right foot during the speed race at the Qatar Grand Prix "MotoGP".
The Italian team issued a press statement, which read: "Francesco Bagnaia suffered a double fracture in the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones of his right foot during his crash on Saturday at the speed race of the Qatar Grand Prix. He is returning to Italy on Sunday to undergo surgical intervention to stabilize this injury, and the operation is expected to be performed between Monday and Tuesday."
Details of the incident
The two-time MotoGP World Champion (2022 and 2023) was involved in a violent crash on Saturday in the last corner of the first lap of the speed race, after being hit from behind by Spanish rider Ferm铆n Aldeguer of the Gresini team. Bagnaia was thrown over his handlebars before falling heavily onto the track, ending up in the gravel area.
Although he did not lose consciousness after the incident, Bagnaia was carried off on a stretcher, leading to a temporary suspension of the race.
Impact of the injury on the season
The injury is a major blow to Bagnaia, who is going through a difficult season but was showing promising signs at the end of the weekend in Qatar before the crash. It also represents a setback for Ducati, which is engaged in a tight battle with Aprilia for the manufacturers' title.
The duration of the Italian rider's absence has not yet been determined, as he is leaving Ducati to join Aprilia starting from next season.
Remaining stages and standings
Following the Qatar Grand Prix, the 20th round of the season, only two stages remain: the first in Portugal in two weeks, and the second in Valencia, Spain, the following weekend.
Bagnaia currently sits ninth in the World Championship standings, having recorded three third-place finishes in Grand Prix races and one speed race victory in June in the Czech Republic.
Source: Arriyadiyah newspaper
Comments (0)