“Very, Very Lucky”: 23-Year-Old MotoGP Champion’s Unsuspected Crash in Sepang Causes Triple Fractures

Published 02/19/2024, 5:35 AM EST

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With less than two weeks to go, the MotoGP circuit is abuzz with anticipation as the riders gear up for two days of rigorous testing in Lusail. The clock is ticking, and the stakes are high with the World Championship’s curtain-raiser, the Qatar GP, just around the corner.

Amidst this high-octane atmosphere, one rider’s journey stands out. Raul Fernandez, the resilient ace from Trackhouse Racing Aprilia, is back on his bike, defying odds and injuries.

Fernandez’s crash and miraculous recovery

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In a turn of events that stunned the MotoGP fraternity, Raul Fernandez suffered a massive high-side crash during a testing session at Sepang. “Very,very lucky after the big crash that I had in Sepang. The doctors saw that I had three different fractures and that’s not fun,” he stated. “I felt both the tires slid, and I did a highside,” Raul revealed, recounting the unexpected incident.

The crash, which occurred just three laps into the three-day test, resulted in significant injuries for Fernandez. His season’s start was in jeopardy, but the MotoGP medical team stepped in. “The crash was less than two weeks ago but I can more or less walk, go on the bicycle,” he said, expressing his gratitude.

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Fernandez’s recovery is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His return to the track, despite the setbacks, has been nothing short of miraculous. But what does this mean for his performance in the upcoming season?

As the Qatari test looms, Fernandez’s focus shifts from recovery to performance. With a history of pre-season testing issues, how will he fare this time around with Trackhouse Racing?

Trackhouse Racing’s preparation for the championship

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Trackhouse Racing America’s MotoGP Team is on the clock. With the Championship’s opening race just over the horizon, the team and its riders #88 Miguel Oliveira and #25 Raul Fernandez are racing against time to find a solid baseline set-up on their respective Aprilia RS-GP bikes.

For Raul Fernandez, this test is more than just a routine run. It’s a test of his physical endurance and a chance to clock in some valuable miles after his massive crash at Sepang. His determination to get back on track is a testament to his resilience and the spirit of the sport.

As the team welcomes back Team Principal Davide Brivio, the focus is on the upcoming test and the bigger picture — the Championship. The team’s preparation, strategy, and the riders’ performance will be crucial in shaping the season.

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Team Manager Wilco Zeelenberg emphasized the importance of this test, especially for Fernandez. “Raul missed a lot of track time in Malaysia so it’s very important for him to have a good test here,” he said. The anticipation is palpable as the team gears up to shine under the floodlights of the Lusail International Circuit.

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Written by:

Kushal Dudla

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Kushal Dudla is a NASCAR Writer for EssentiallySports, who brings a unique perspective to the world of motorsports. Pursuing his undergrad in engineering, he combines his technical knowledge with his love for sports to deliver engaging content to readers. As a dedicated NASCAR enthusiast, Kushal closely follows the journey of some of the sport's most talented drivers.
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Edited by:

Shubhankar Adhikari