Danilo Petrucci will miss the final pre-season MotoGP test at Losail after suffering multiple fractures to his right hand in a crash at Phillip Island.
The Italian has been one of the success stories of pre-season having topped the times on day two of the Sepang test, as well as the opening day in Australia, but today’s injury places his participation in the opening Grand Prix in doubt.
Petrucci lost control of his Pramac Ducati at turn eight while on an out lap and after treatment in the medical centre, it was discovered that he had fractured the second, third and fourth metacarpals of his right hand, injuries that face him with a race against time to be fit for the season opener on March 20.
Francesco Guidotti, team manager of Octo Pramac Yakhnich, was left cursing his luck and admits it is unclear how long the recovery process will take.
“It was not an easy test. The weather conditions did not help us working on set up and Danilo’s accident is too big a price to pay. It’s never the right time to fall and hurt but surely this is a particularly sensitive time. It is frustrating, we know. But we must look to the future with strength and determination. We have to focus on the Danilo’s recovery, the whole team is with him. We are confident that he will recover soon: the hope is that he will be on track for the GP in Qatar but now is too early to have a clear idea.”
