Serious accusations against the organizers after the horror fall

class=”sc-3778e872-0 gWjAEa”>

The good news after the horrific fall of MotoGP rider Pol Espargaro (31) on the first day of the new season: the Spaniard did not suffer a life-threatening injury during practice in Portimao on Friday, he can move his arms and legs and does not have to to fear permanent damage.

The bad news: Espargaro will likely be out for months. That is the prognosis after the examination at the city hospital of Faro, where the Catalan was flown by helicopter with his wife Carlota at his side. The shock diagnosis: jaw fracture, lung contusion and multiple vertebral fractures. It is still unclear whether back surgery will be necessary.

Already an incident during the winter test

In the paddock of the Portuguese circuit, there is not only fear but also a lot of anger about safety on the track in the Algarve. There are again serious accusations against the circuit operators over the unsuitable gravel traps, which gave much to talk about during pre-season testing and a bad fall from Fabio di Giannantonio.

MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia rants: “The gravel beds should slow down a fallen rider. But they accelerated Pol!” Moreover, there were no air fences when he hit the barrier, which could have absorbed the impact. Motorcycle superstar Marc Marquez: “From Saturday, there should be air fences in this corner.”

The moped premier class does not start in the best mood for the first sprint race in MotoGP history on Saturday (4 p.m., live SRF2).

Source : Blick