Espargaro’s injuries have been confirmed, with the #44 Spaniard suffering from a contusion of a lung, a fractured jaw and a fractured vertebrae, according to the latest update.
Pol Espargaro suffered a major crash in Friday’s Test 2 at Portimao, where the session was red-flagged and the Spaniard taken to Faro hospital for further examination.
MotoGP™ Medical Director Dr. Angel Charte offered a first update on Espargaro’s condition:
“Pol Espargaro had a high intensity crash and suffered multiple injuries. To determine the extent, it will have to be evaluated through further examination at the Faro hospital, specifically on his spine,” explained Dr. Charte.
“Espargaro did not lose consciousness at any point and is very well neurologically, with no neck injuries.”
Dr. Charte went on to explain that “his oxygen levels are good, but he has quite a significant lung contusion, the extent of which we will need to confirm with CT scans and MRI at Faro Hospital.”
“He has suffered a severe spinal injury and a contusion to his lungs, which we will need to monitor closely. While I believe he will recover well, we need to do the proper tests to determine the extent of his injuries.”
“He is conscious, alert and responding well. He is slightly sedated from the painkillers we gave him. He can move his legs, feet and arms perfectly, so there is no reason to fear permanent spinal injury.”
Although Pol Espargaró’s injuries are not life-threatening, the GASGAS pilot faces a break of several months.
It is not yet clear whether the vertebrae need to be stabilized with an operation. It probably won’t be clear until tomorrow how severe the lung contusion was. He did not need intubation, but was given strong painkillers.
Apparently, Pol Espargaró first hit the tire stacks that were too close and then was hit by his bike. The bike may have been thrown back into the air by this impact and then hit the rider hard. Circuit regulator, promoter and FIM safety officer Tomé Alonso will have to answer why there were no air barriers. The Portuguese president of the FIM, Jorge Viegas, is also responsible.
Marc Márquez demanded: “On Saturday there must be 10 air barriers on this curve.”
“Gravel should slow down a fallen rider. But here they have accelerated the slide,” said world champion Pecco Bagnaia.
Tags: Pol Espargaro fractured jaw broken vertebra crashing Portimao
