The images are chilling. While taking part in free practice last Saturday at Silverstone, Aleix Espargaro, runner-up to Fabio Quartararo in the general classification of the MotoGP world championship, suffered an impressive fall. A “high side” that propelled him into the air and made him glide.
The Spanish driver was then escorted off the circuit on a stretcher, conscious. Despite the pain, the Aprilia rider qualified in 6th position on Saturday before taking the start of the British Grand Prix on Sunday. He then took 9th place, losing only one small point in the general classification on his French competitor from Yamaha, and reigning world champion, Fabio Quartararo, 8th.
“No surgical treatment” necessary
“As the injury does not require surgical treatment, Aleix has been prescribed seven days of total rest during which he will have to use crutches,” said his team, Aprilia. Aleix Espargaro has undergone medicals at Barcelona after returning from Britain. “The objective is to arrive at the next race weekend in the best possible physical condition,” added the team, thus anticipating the presence of its pilot in Austria from August 19 to 21.
Far ahead of Aleix Espargaro, it was the Italian Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) who won the British Grand Prix. He edged out Maverick Viñales (Aprilia) and Jack Miller (Ducati), who completed the Silverstone podium. The Frenchman Johann Zarco, who had nevertheless won pole position, fell during the race..