Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has suffered another setback at the start of the season. The Northern Irish rider suffered multiple fractures to his left foot after a heavy crash during testing at Phillip Island. His return to competition is now uncertain.
After its spectacular crash on Monday, the factory team Yamaha thought that the six-time Superbike champion, Jonathan Rhea, is expected to go under the knife for his left foot, which was fractured in several places. However, uncertainty now reigns.
Jonathan Rhea faces a difficult time after his accident during testing on Monday WSBK à Phillip Island, in Australia. The factory team rider Yamaha suffered three fractures in the front of the left foot, just before the toes, after a spectacular fall.
Sale had x-rays and scans at the Circuit Medical Center Phillip Island and in the nearby town of Cowes. On Wednesday, he is due to meet a specialist in Melbourne to get a more detailed opinion before returning to Europe. I am now getting different opinions on whether I should have the operation or not and how long it will take.. I don't know much yet. But you don't have to be a surgeon to see on a scan that something is broken. ", said Sale, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his treatment.
Jonathan Rea: “ it could have ended much worse »
The accident happened while Sale was doing a fast lap on new tires. The rear wheel slipped. When traction control intervened, I got some grip back, it straightened the bike out and catapulted me up. I landed on the bike and then it dropped me. My landing was okay, but unfortunately the bike landed on my foot “, he explained.
Despite the pain and injuries, Sale remains grateful that the accident was not more serious. It could have ended much worse. Imagine if the motorcycle had landed on my chest. »
The participation of Sale at the first race of the season, scheduled for this weekend at Phillip Island, is already compromised. However, he hopes to be back for the start of the European season at the end of March at Portimao, in Portugal. It went so well ", he regretted, recalling his promising performances before the accident. No problem, a good plan, we started quickly, I was in the top 5 and we finished the tasks »
The decision whether or not to have surgery will largely depend on the estimated recovery time. Sale, aged 38 years, knows that every day counts to get back in top form. In the meantime, he remains focused on his rehabilitation and hopes to quickly return to the track to defend his colors with Yamaha .
