Avintia Ducati’s Loris Baz will not race in this weekend’s Misano MotoGP as he suffered two fractures in his right foot during the first-lap crash at Silverstone.
Circuit doctors only could see a sprained ankle after X-rays but following a scanner and MRI at a Swiss hospital, they found one fracture on the lower part of the tibia and another on the astragalus of his right foot, in addition to several bruises and small pieces of bone plus some damaged tendons. They can not intervene surgically, and the doctor have immobilised the leg and he will have to take rest.
“It is a real shame the news I got once I came to visit my Doctors in Switzerland, and I didn’t expected. But after several test, they saw some fractures on my right foot. The main fractures are on my tibia and astragalus. There not possible surgery and now is just time and rest,” said Baz.
“So I’m forced to miss Misano race. Anyway, I still fortunate not having serious injuries following the crash at Silverstone. I feel bad and sorry for my team, because we were coming back and improving in the last few races. It’s a shame, but I’ll try my best to come back as soon as possible and finish the year in the best possible way.
“This was another hard blow in my season after the one from Mugello, but I have to be positive and look forward. I wish Xavi to enjoy this weekend. MotoGP bikes are incredible, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy a lot. He’ll also have a great team behind, and I’ll be there in case he needs any advice. Sure he won’t forget the experience.”
Barni Ducati World Superbike star Xavi Fores gets the call up to make his MotoGP debut.
“My aim is to enjoy the maximum and leave the pressure at home. I have nothing to demonstrate, the bike is completely different to anything I’ve ridden before. I have to be clever because everything will be new for me, so I only want to enjoy. Riding a MotoGP bike is a dream for every rider, and I’m looking forward to start the weekend to enjoy and live the experience,” said the Spaniard.
“It will be crucial not to make any mistake and don’t get hurt, because I have to race in Germany next week with my WSBK team. I’ll use this weekend like a training session before my next race, and I’ll try to enjoy as much as possible riding the MotoGP bike. Misano is one of my favourite circuits and there I got my best results so far this season in WSBK. So it is the best possible scenario to start to work with an unknown bike. I what to say big thanks to Avintia Racing, Ducati and specially my team, Barni Racing for letting me race. And I also want to wish Loris a fast recovery.”
