Suzuki’s Alex Rins has withdrawn from the Catalunya post-race test and is doubtful for the German MotoGP event after fracturing his wrist in a dramatic first-corner crash with Takaaki Nakagami.
Takaaki Nakagami’s Honda wiped out Rins’ GSX-RR on Lap 1 of the Catalan MotoGP after the Japanese rider lost the front end as he braked into Turn 1.
According to the latest LCR update, Nakagami’s head collided with the back wheel of Francesco Bagnaia’s Ducati, resulting in a three-rider crash, although no significant head injuries were sustained.
Rins, on the other hand, is in danger of missing the German MotoGP, which takes place at the Sachsenring in just over a fortnight (June 17-19).
“Following the big crash he suffered at Turn 1 of the Catalan Grand Prix, Alex Rins underwent tests at the Hospital Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona,” read a Suzuki statement.
“Initial checks found a fracture in the pyramidal or triquetral bone of his left wrist with no displacement. A further magnetic resonance (MRI) scan confirmed there was no ligament damage sustained. Checks were also made to his left ankle after Rins reported pain; this proved to be inflammation.”
“Rins will begin a program of recovery which will include his wrist being immobilised, regular icing and electromagnetic therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and rest. Naturally, he will now miss the Catalan Test taking place at Montmelò tomorrow, Monday 6th June.”
“He will undergo further assessments and checks ahead of the next Grand Prix in Germany in two weeks’ time.”
“Alex Rins experienced a trauma to his left wrist,” said Dr. Xavier Mir, head of the Elbow, Hand, and Microsurgery Unit (Icatma) at the Dexeus University Hospital.
“We performed a clinic, radiological, CT and MRI examinations which confirm: fracture of the body of the pyramidal bone of the left carpus, with significant perifracture bone edema.”
“We believe it should be treated with rigid immobilisation and electromagnetic therapy for 10 days, performing another examination after this period of time.”
Bagnaia returned to the pits but retired nevertheless, and the stewards decided not to penalise Nakagami any further.
