Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will sit out at least Day 2 of the #QatarTest, needing some more time to recover and test rider Mika Kallio to take his place on Friday. Espargaro, who was diagnosed with a ‘hernia in T4’ in his back shortly after he crashed and was sidelined at the Sepang Test, underwent successful surgery soon after to begin his road to recovery. But, despite sitting out much of that first test and the entirety of the #ThaiTest, the Spaniard will also be forced to curtail his return to action in Qatar.
“It was good to be here again and ride again, but unfortunately I still don’t feel ready enough to continue riding tomorrow,” explains Espargaro. “I did a lot of laps today but I’m not in shape and I can’t ride how I normally do. We need to develop the bike to be a good bike and right now I’m not the Pol I used to be. But it’s good to try, it was good to make some laps, but tomorrow Mika will ride for me and replace me. I think Mika will do a better job than me tomorrow.
“It has only been two weeks since surgery and normally rehabilitation starts after two months. I feel weak in that zone and then I need to use other muscles to compensate – and I’ve been in bed for two weeks, so I feel weak, and I’m stressed on the bike.”
The 2013 Moto2™ Champion will still be around, however, as he helps the team out as much as possible – and makes a decision on whether or not to ride on Saturday.
“I’ll try to help as much as I can off the bike,” Espargaro adds, “on track and in the box, trying to give some tips! Then on Day 3 I will try again if I feel ready and good!”
Friday action begins at 13:00 local time (GMT +3).