Francesco Bagnaia: Ducati rider fractures ankle in Le Mans crash but should recover for Italian MotoGP
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Published 21/05/2023 at 14:36 GMT+1
Ducati are not enjoying the best of MotoGP seasons and their confirmation that Francesco Bagnaia has a fractured ankle serves only to underline that fact. Bagnaia joins fellow Ducati rider Enea Bastianini on the injury list, but is expected to return in time for the Italian GP on June 11. The injury was suffered in a collision with Maverick Vinales at the French GP at Le Mans.
Francesco Bagnaia of Italy and Ducati Lenovo Team on the grid during the MotoGP of France - Sprint at Circuit Bugatti on May 13, 2023 in Le Mans, France.
Image credit: Getty Images
Ducati have confirmed that rider Francesco Bagnaia suffered a fractured ankle in his collision with Maverick Vinales at the French MotoGP.
The pair touched and then crashed out as they both vied for P3 on the day in Le Mans.
Ducati expect Bagnaia to be fit enough to race at the upcoming Italian GP, however.
Their statement read: "As Bagnaia was still feeling some pain in his right ankle, after last Sunday’s crash in France, he underwent further checks in Misano, which found a small partial talus bone fracture.
"This minor injury will not prevent his participation in the next Italian GP."
The incident was dissected after the race by BT Sport experts Michael Laverty and Sylvain Guintoli, with the former feeling it was largely a racing incident, with some blame for Bagnaia.
“A complete racing incident, really," Laverty said.
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Francesco Bagnaia's Ducati after he crashed with Maverick Viñales of Spain and Aprilia Racing at the beginning of the Race of the MotoGP SHARK Grand Prix de France at Bugatti Circuit on May 14, 2023 in Le Mans, France.
Image credit: Getty Images
“If you are going to apportion blame, it goes slightly on Pecco [Bagnaia] because he was behind. He had the choice not to lean in on top of Vinales."
The current leader in the championship standings by a single point, Bagnaia can scarcely afford to miss his home race, which takes place on June 11 at Mugello.
He is the reigning champion at the circuit and another impressive display would be just what Ducati need after a frustrating season.
The Italian's accident at Le Mans was just the latest mishap to affect Ducati in this season's MotoGP.
Teammate Enea Bastianini has sat out the entire calendar so far with a shoulder injury.
A silver lining for Ducati is their impressive displays in the constructors standings. Five of the top six riders in the overall standings are riding Ducati bikes and that puts the Italian company clear at the top, 71 points ahead of KTM.
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