Xerox Ducati's Noriyuki Haga was hit by a bird on the opening lap of race two at Monza this afternoon and lost all feeling in his right arm which caused him to crash at the Parabolica.
The Samurai of Slide, who finished second to team-mate Michel Fabrizio in race one after leader Ben Spies ran out of fuel, suffered a big bruise on his right bicep and some muscle laceration but no fractures.
"Right at the start of race two I was hit by a bird on my right arm. It hurt a lot and I lost all sensation, with strong pain and pins and needles in my right arm and hand. I tried to continue to race but it was too difficult to ride and as a result I unfortunately fell," said Haga.
"Yes it hurts but I should be back in top shape very soon. Race one went much better for me of course and I really enjoyed the racing against Ben and Michel. I though at the end that I would surely end third but then Ben’s bike stopped so close to the finish line and I finished in second as a result.
"I’m sorry for him as he deserved the win and this year me and him will continue to battle it out. Despite the Race 2 result I still hold a 54 point advantage and so I’m satisfied with that.”
