Pol Espargaro lucky to escape injury after heavy crash at Assen

Pol Espargaro has experienced both light and dark on the first day of practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, traditionally held at ‘The Cathedral’ of Assen. The Tuenti Racing rider was brilliant in the first half of the morning practice in heavy rain, always staying among the fastest and finishing ninth as the first Spaniard in the class. But the dark came in the form of a crash in the middle of that session, falling on his head and back and losing feeling in his arms for a few seconds. A first examination at the hospital of the circuit and a subsequent MRI at a medical center in Groningen have ruled out any injury. Polyccio was ready to go out on track in the afternoon, but as every other rider he’s been forced to take the rest of the day off as it wasn’t possible for the track marshalls to clean off all the oil which has been spilled on a large part of the legendary Dutch track. Now some rest and physiotherapy will make sure Pol Espargaro is in shape for Friday.

9. Pol Espargaro, 1.56.480
“I got a tremendous hit and was already on the ground and could not move my arms. The marshalls helped me up and I could get back to the box on my own. Then I was told it was best to do an MRI and I went to the hospital in Groningen. Luckily I have nothing, although I’m sore. I was doing a good session and I did not think I’d be that high in the rankings. I crashed when trying to find a new line in the third sector, losing nearly a second there. In the afternoon I wanted to go out, but the cancellation will be good for me to rest, put myself in the hands of the physiotherapists and hope to be ready for the official qualifying tomorrow.”

Source: HP Tuenti