GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 rider Pol Espargaro crashed during MotoGP Free Practice Two Friday at Algarve International Circuit, causing the session to be red flagged.
From the first replay of the crash shown on MotoGP’s Video Pass, Espargaro was highsided from his motorcycle under deceleration entering Turn 10. The Spaniard then slid into the gravel trap with his racebike sliding immediately behind him.
And then the replay was stopped before the final part of the incident was seen.
Live video coverage showed Espargaro close to the unprotected outside wall and being treated by MotoGP medical staff while corner marshals formed a human wall to block the view of spectators and others.
Espargaro had an IV of fluids administered trackside, and Dorna quickly communicated that he was conscious.
About two hours after the crash, Dorna reported that Espargaro suffered back and chest trauma and was being transferred to a hospital in nearby Faro, Portugal, for further examination.
We will update this post as more information becomes available.
Update: Dorna has provided a detailed update on Pol Espargaro’s condition on the official MotoGP website here.
Second Update: According to Dorna, Pol Espargaro has been diagnosed with a pulmonary contusion (a.k.a. bruised lung), a fractured jaw, and a fractured dorsal vertebra.
