Faubel in doubt for Indy Grand Prix after heavy crash in qualifying

Whilst the weather conditions were perfect at Indianapolis today the same could not be said for the track and qualifying practice for the Moto3 race had to be red-flagged on two occasions due to a series of crashes. Just seven minutes had elapsed when Héctor Faubel was thrown spectacularly over his handlebars in the final turn, causing a fifteen minute delay as the MAPFRE Aspar rider was taken to the medical centre by ambulance. Several other riders would follow him before Álex Márquez suffered a virtually identical crash to Faubel in the same spot and again the red flag was produced with only 23 seconds left on the clock, effectively signalling an early end to the session. Lap times were close to last year’s 125cc records and with the top twelve lapping within the same second it promises to be a close race tomorrow.

Faubel is hoping to make a full recovery overnight after being taken to the Indianapolis Methodist Hospital for checks on his chest area. However, he remains in a lot of pain and his participation in the race is not confirmed.

29th Héctor Faubel 1.51.407 (2 laps/CRASH): “I started the session strong. The weekend has been going well and I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to qualify near the front. Coming into the last corner I could feel the bike letting go and then the next thing I knew I was flying through the air and it seemed to take an age to come down. For a second my mind was blank and I don’t remember the landing. It was a shame because we were expecting so much from this weekend. Now I am suffering a lot of pain in my chest and abdominal area so I hope I can recover quickly.”

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UPDATE:
MAPFRE Aspar Team rider Héctor Faubel will spend the night under observation at the Indianapolis Methodist Hospital tonight following his crash during qualifying practice this afternoon. The Spanish rider has undergone CAT scans and x-rays after reporting pain to his lumbar and abdominal region and left elbow although no fractures were detected. There is, however, some bad bruising and liquid on his abdomen, which is why he has been admitted until the morning when he will be released. He will then undergo checks from the FIM doctors, who will decide on his participation in tomorrow’s race although at this stage it seems unlikely.

Source: Aspar Team Press Release