Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pol Espargaro looks set to miss the team’s home race at the eyetime Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich after fracturing his collarbone in morning Warm Up at Brno.
Thankfully, after medical checks in Barcelona, the Spaniard’s injury doesn’t require surgery after the break to the bone was not as bad as initially feared. However, Espargaro will be kept in hospital for evaluation until the end of the week, almost certainly ruling him out of the Austrian GP.
KTM Team Manager Mike Leitner said: “Pol was checked in Barcelona on Monday morning and we had the positive news that he wouldn't need surgery for what is just a crack, rather than a full break to his collarbone. There was also no damage to other bones or to his spine. He will have another check this week when the swelling has reduced. Pol needs to rest, and we’ll have to keep assessing and controlling his situation as he has a lot of neck pain. He’ll stay in hospital until the end of the week so for sure he will not make the Grand Prix at Spielberg.”
With test rider Mika Kallio also out injured, it’s highly likely that Bradley Smith will be the sole Red Bull KTM Factory Racing bike out on track at the Red Bull Ring.