The Moto3™ Qatar Test ended in disappointment for Gabriel Rodrigo (Kommerling Gresini Moto3) after the Argentine rider suffered a fractured collarbone on Day 2, the Honda rider crashing at Turn 5.
First crash of the year and right collarbone broken... We were doing a top job and I will try to arrive to the GP to keep with the work! I’ll not give up till the end! See u in one week! ???????? @gresiniracing pic.twitter.com/1ToRzs3wNd
— Gabriel Rodrigo (@gabrirodrigo19) March 2, 2019
Subsequently, Rodrigo flew back to Barcelona and underwent immediate surgery on Sunday, and he’ll fly back to Qatar to undergo a medical check on Thursday as he aims to participate in the opening round of the 2019 season this weekend.
Rodrigo: “It was a perfect preseason until Saturday, but things can change very quickly unfortunately. It’s useless to feel sorry for myself: surgery went well and I must thank Dr Mir, so now I’m only thinking of getting back to Qatar and join the team. I had a good night and I’m leaving the hospital today in order to start with rehab. I must say that I feel less pain compared to previous collarbone surgeries, and the doctor confirmed that the fracture was not as bad, so the plate will be more of support than else. Obviously I will only know how bad it is once I get on the bike, but I’m really looking forward to it!”
Successful right-collarbone surgery for @gabrirodrigo19. The Argentinian rider will remain hospitalised for the night and will be released tomorrow. #Gresinifamily
— Gresini Racing (@GresiniRacing) 3 marzo 2019
The lightweight class will kick the 2019 campaign off when they head out for FP1 on Friday at 13:50 local time (GMT+3).