MotoGP News
Date: 16/June/2012
For the second year in succession, British MotoGP star Cal Crutchlow spent qualifying for his home Silverstone round in hospital.
Last year, the Yamaha Tech 3 rider was denied his first home grand prix start when he broke a collarbone in qualifying.
The Englishman returned with a real chance of a fighting for a debut MotoGP podium following an excellent start to the 2012 season, only to be injured in Saturday morning’s final practice.
Crutchlow fell on his out-lap in cold and windy conditions, as he accelerated through the fast Chapel turn leading on to the Hangar Straight.
Reports of a fractured ankle have been denied, but the pain and swelling was so great that Crutchlow was sent to hospital for more detailed scans.
That ruled him out of qualifying, but if Crutchlow passes a final medical check on Sunday morning he will be able to start the race, from last place, having lapped within 107% of pole in Friday practice.
“We are very optimistic that Cal will be able to participate in the British Grand Prix tomorrow,” said Team Manager Herve Poncharal. “The medical staff in Oxford said he should be fine to race and he has no broken bones in the foot or ankle.
“That is a big relief because Cal was in quite a lot of pain. He will now undertake the necessary checks with the Silverstone medics in the morning, but it looks very positive.
“We obviously hope he will be able to ride after the disappointment of last year when he was unable to start the race because he was injured. I know what it means for him to race in front of his home crowd, who have given Cal and the team unbelievable support this weekend.”
Despite Poncharal's claims of no broken bones, paddock sources insist that Crutchlow has indeed suffered fractures and his participation in the race is thus in serious doubt.
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