MotoGP Portugal Portimao UPDATE: update on the state of health of Pol Espargaró after his heavy fall in P2

P2, which also inaugurated its new MotoGP format in Portugal, was marked by two events which prompted the release of two red flags. First there was a general breakdown on the circuit affecting the timing, but also, unfortunately, a heavy fall for Pol Espargaró. The GASGAS rider was unable to recover from his accident, lying in the escape route and quite close to his motorcycle. The hypothesis retained from the dynamics of the facts is that he was hit by his RC16 at the time of impact on the security wall, not equipped with an “airfence”. But the news on the state of health of the Tech3 driver is intended to be reassuring.      

The images only show the beginning of the unfortunate man's fall Pol Espargaro at turn 10, leaving an end to all the speculation and worry.

The rest is this shot of the Catalan lying next to the wall and assisted by the circuit staff. According to some interpretations, Pol received the impact of his motorcycle after hitting the wall. However, if the pilot was infused on site, his immediately reported status was that he was conscious.

After a few minutes, he was evacuated by emergency services to the medical center. From there he was transported to Faro hospital for further checks. We will know more in the coming hours. His wife Carlota was at least informed that he had not suffered any serious injuries. On speedweek, we discover the reaction ofHervé Poncharal : " I was very worried at first when I didn't see Pol move. But then we heard that he was conscious and able to mover. Doctor Charte assured us that there was no no danger of death. But I'm not a doctor, so I don't want to anticipate the next tests. Examinations are carried out in Faro. Until then, we have to wait for more detailed information on Pol's health condition. » Some commenters reported severe bruising to his neck and chest.

Public chat GP One, we can read the doctor Angel Charter , medical director of MotoGP, who took stock of the situation: “Pol is neurologically well. Mbut he suffers from a serious pulmonary contusion and serious multiple trauma to the spine. He is conscious, he reacts perfectly, even if he has been partially sedated. He is able to move his lower and upper limbs perfectly, so he did not suffer any serious injuries.” 

UPDATED speedweek : bad news is announced by the German site: Pol Espargaro also suffered vertebral fractures. He can move his arms and legs and has no neurological deficits. But so far, it is unclear whether the vertebrae need to be stabilized through surgery. It probably won't be clear until tomorrow because contusion of the lungs is serious. He did not need intubation, but was given strong painkillers. Although the injuries of Pol Espargaro do not put his life in danger, the GASGAS factory driver faces a possible convalescence of several months.