Ducati’s Andrea Iannone will not compete in qualifying or the Misano MotoGP round after a decision was taken this morning by Doctor Eraldo Berardi, chief medical officer of the Misano World Circuit, following a second round of checks but the Italian was none too happy about the way his medical situation has been handled.
Doctor Berardi confirmed his first diagnosis that declared the rider ‘unfit’ and that was modified in the afternoon in ‘fit to be reviewed’, following the second scan and X-ray carried out at the Bufalini Medical Hospital in Cesena, where the Ducati rider was transported by helicopter after a first visit and exam carried out at the medical centre of the circuit.
“The fracture of the third thoracic vertebra is not dramatic from a clinical point of view , but it can become dangerous in case of a second crash on the affected part. This is the true problem and the risk,” stressed Doctor Berardi. “For precautionary measures, it’s better not to race this weekend.”
Iannone was visibly disappointed by the decision and said: “I’m 27 years-old and I’m the first to think at the health of my back but I didn’t like the change of decisions. I didn’t like that I was declared unfit even before reaching the hospital in Cesena for a second scan. Then the decision changed in “fit to be reviewed” and this morning I had the clear impression that it was already decided for my unfitness. They didn’t ask me to do some test, as it usually happen, they didn’t check my opinion.
“The attitude of the medical chief of the circuit was like a wall, while the Dorna Doctor, Mr Angel Charte, was more comprehensive. He knew that the pain would prevent me from racing this weekend, but he was in favour of giving me a try. As a rider, once you crash, the priority is to jump back on the bike as soon as possible. I know the pain, but it was crucial for me to go back on track and check the feeling.
“I really wanted to try this morning. I think that the rider is the only one who can really decide which are his feelings on the bike. The psychological aspect is important as the response of the body. But I can understand the decision of the doctors.”
Currently sixth in the championship with 96 points, Iannone will miss his home GP. He will return home today in order to try and recover for Aragon GP, scheduled in two week time. “I was really looking forward to race in front of my fans the last time with Ducati. I have been deprived of this opportunity”, continued Iannone, who was in a splendid momentum after his first MotoGP win in Austria. “Now I will go back and relax in order to recover for Aragon where I hope to arrive at the 80-90% of my possibilities to continue fighting at the top”.
Iannone was promptly replaced by the Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, who was already racing in Misano as a Ducati wild card. Jumping on Iannone’s bike will give Ducati the opportunity to collect precious points for the team and the manufacturer’s championship.