Franciso Hernando Ducati rider Sete Gibernau has been ruled out of tomorrow's Le Mans MotoGP race after breaking his collarbone in the second free practice session this morning.
The Spaniard lost the rear of his satellite Desmosedici the middle of the tight chicane that forms turns two and three and came down heavily on his left shoulder.
Tests at the Clinica Mobile showed up two breaks to his collarbone - one more complicated than the other. It is the same injury he suffered during preseason training in February, which he had only this week claimed to have fully recovered from.
Gibernau has already been seen by the legendary Dr Mir in Barcelona, who said: “Sete Gibernau has undergone a series of x-rays which have confirmed a single, new displaced fracture to his left collarbone that is completely independent from his previous injuries in the same area, as well as a light blow to his back and another to his right heel, which are not of major significance,” commented Dr Mir.
Gibernau will undergo surgery at the Dexeus Institute on Monday, with Dr Xavier Mir and Dr Nacho Ginebreda set to perform an operation which will involved fixing a titanium plate to the bone.
Once the operation has been completed the condition of the rider will be fully evaluated before a decision is taken on when he can return to action on the Ducati GP9 with the Grupo Francisco Hernando team.
“It is such a shame - we have been really unlucky, especially because Sete was reaching full fitness and was making step by step progress. Things were going well at this track and then this happens," said team boss Pablo Nieto.
"The first thing is for Sete to get back to Barcelona for treatment from the doctors who have looked after him throughout his career and after that we'll make a decision on what we do. Obviously it will all depend on how long he needs to recover and, obviously, with his age he might need a little longer than a younger rider would. The whole team is gutted. After all the excitement and energy we've put into this project, particularly Sete, what has happened is really disappointing."
