The sprint at the Czech Grand Prix turned into a nightmare for Takaaki Nakagami. On lap two, at the back of the field, the Japanese driver was hit by Augusto Fernandez in a brutal collision at Turn 3. What initially appeared to be a simple collision quickly turned into a medical nightmare.
« Unfortunately, during the sprint, I was hit by Augusto right at the start of the race, at the apex of turn 3. The impact was violent and I fell ", reported Nakagami, still in shock. When he got out of the gravel trap, he didn't seem to be worried about any major pain. But half an hour later, the truth came out: " I felt a very strange sensation at right knee. I went to the medical center, where my mobility was checked… »
The diagnosis is relentless: a ruptured posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his right knee. End of the weekend for Nakagami, replacing Somkiat Chantra in Honda LCR, and rushed back to Japan for MRI and further examinations. I hope it's not a serious injury. For now, The doctor told me to go home and see someone as soon as possible.. I will keep you informed. ", did he declare.
Augusto Fernandez: “ I feel sorry for Taka Nakagami »
For its part, Augusto Fernandez was not injured, but he does not hide his responsibility: " First of all, I'm sorry for Taka. I braked a little later than planned, sucked into the wake. I knew there would be contact, so I tried to land the bike before the collision to limit the impact. »
The stewards did not hesitate: long lap penalty for Fernandez during Sunday's race. A logical sanction after this avoidable incident, even if the driver Yamaha , entered here as a wild card for the official team test, immediately apologized to the Japanese driver.
With Nakagami With the forfeit, there will be only 21 riders on the grid on Sunday in a championship already plagued by injuries and controversial rules. The 2025 MotoGP season continues... on one leg.
Starting grid MotoGP Brno:
MotoGP Sprint Race Czech Republic GP
MotoGP General Classification
