MADRID, Aug. 8 (.) –
The Spanish rider Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia) suffers a fracture in his right heel, which was caused by a hard fall during the last free practice sessions of the British Grand Prix and with which he ran the MotoGP race on Sunday, Aprilia confirmed this Monday.
“Following medical checks carried out today at the Dexeus Hospital in Barcelona, Aprilia Racing rider Aleix Espargaró has been diagnosed with a fracture in the heel of his right foot,” his team announced in a statement.
The Catalan suffered a tremendous ‘highside’ in Free Practice 4, an incident at turn 12 of the English track that meant he had to be evacuated on a stretcher. However, after receiving the ‘ok’ from the doctors, he returned to the track for Q2.
In addition, on Sunday he participated in the race, in which he finished ninth, just one place behind the leader of the World Championship, Frenchman Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha). Thus, he managed to remain second in the championship and give up only one point against Nice, from which he is separated by 22 points.
According to Aprilia, the injury “does not require surgical treatment”, and the man from Granollers must complete “seven days of complete rest” during which he will have to use crutches so as not to force the injured foot. The goal is for Espargaró to arrive at the next race weekend, the Austrian Grand Prix from August 19 to 21, in the best physical condition.
