Espargaro to race through the pain

Aleix Espargaro plans to race this weekend at Mugello with the Spaniard confident that despite having recently undergone surgery on his left wrist that he’ll be fit enough to compete at the Italian Grand Prix.

“I’m happy because doctors said the recovery process is positive and I definitely want to try to race,” said Espargaro. “The crash in Le Mans was one of the worst in my career; I suffered a lot of pain and also my right thumb ligament got broken. Dr. Mir and his colleagues did a great job with the surgery, everything went well and my recovery has been good. I don’t feel 100%, but I definitely want to get back riding and join my team for the race in Italy.

“This race will be tough, Mugello’s straight is so long and we will probably suffer a little on top-speed, but at the same time the track in its whole is very fast and on this matter our chassis can make a real positive difference. I like fast tracks; this will help me get over this injury and make for a positive weekend.”

Espargaro will be assessed day by day to determine whether he will need painkillers to make it through the race weekend and tomorrow’s opening day of practice should give a good indicator of what he can expect to endure throughout the weekend.