Cal Crutchlow suffers nasty hand injury

Cal Crutchlow lost the tip of his left little finger after a heavy crash during the final night of testing at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

The British rider lost control of his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine at Turn 10 shortly before 9pm and his left hand got trapped underneath the handlebar.

The former World Supersport champion, who had completed 28-laps and set a best time of 1.57.730, lost the tip of his left little finger and he needed lengthy treatment in the circuit medical centre.

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Sporting a heavy bandage, Crutchlow was at least relieved to learn that he’d suffered no bone damage and wouldn’t require surgery in Doha.

He estimated losing two centimetres of his finger and he’ll be constantly monitored now by Clinica Mobile staff in the build-up to his long awaited MotoGP debut in Qatar on Sunday night.

There is an obvious risk of infection but Crutchlow had a tetanus jab and while preparing to make his MotoGP debut in considerable discomfort this weekend, he said the injury would not prevent him from participating.

He told MCN: “I lost the rear a little bit, just shut the throttle and it turned into a low side and I got my hand caught under the bike. I couldn’t get my hand back out and it has just gashed my finger and basically took the whole end off.

“I’ve got no nail and it’s down to the knuckle. I’ve lost about two centimetres but luckily it never touched the bone, so I didn’t need an operation. It is sore and my fingers are a bit numb.

“I’m pissed off to be honest because things were just starting to get better and I ended up losing nearly three hours of track time that I can’t afford to. That’s going to make it difficult this weekend but I can only do my best.”

Crutchlow ended with a best time of 1.57.730 to finish 15th tonight, but he only completed 28-laps. He marginally beat his time from the opening evening of a 1.57.737 when he was 16th fastest.