It was a red flag which put an end to the last race of a WSBK season which therefore ended prematurely under this scarlet banner. This is also how Eugène Laverty ended his career, at the age of 36. It was in fact because he fell heavily on the Phillip Island track, and was hit by Xavi Fores who was unable to avoid him, that the Australian celebration was suspended. Fortunately, the news concerning the Irishman is reassuring…
The last raceEugene Laverty as a professional pilot ended in hospital. The second main Superbike race at Phillip Island had to be stopped after the fall of the Irishman. The race was declared officially over 5 laps before the checkered flag.
The reason ? A very serious accident which took place in turn 1 involving the driver BMW Bonovo and the Spanish Xavi Fores on Ducati. The red flag was immediately waved, freezing positions and minds in WSBK. Eugene Laverty was transported to the medical center, before being airlifted to Melbourne hospital, 130 km from the Phillip Island route.
« We are very relieved that Eugène Laverty retained his sensations in all extremities«
According to the initial diagnosis, he fractured pelvis. It is not yet clear how serious the injury is and whether he suffered any other injuries. However, it was learned from his team that the pilot of 36 years old was conscious and responsive and could move his arms and legs.
« No bottom line on the planet matters when you see something like this » commented the team of which he will be one of the executives from 2023. « We are very relieved that Eugene was conscious, talking and had feeling in all extremities. Now they will do more tests at the hospital. We are truly sorry that his career ended this way and we wish him a speedy recovery. ».
A race winner from the start, a personality that grew bigger and a star throughout the years 💫
Thank you @eugenelaverty for those special memories, heroic victories and much, much more in both #WorldSBK and #WorldSSP! 🙌
Here's to the next chapter 🏁 pic.twitter.com/qc9hDKl5Jn
- WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) November 20, 2022