Tito Rabat ‘lucky’ after big crash in Australia

Marc VDS Racing Moto2 rider Tito Rabat admitted he was fortunate to escape injury after his pre-season testing campaign ended with a heavy crash on the final day of tyre testing at Phillip Island.

The Spaniard was confident he could break into the 1.31 bracket when he suffered a spectacular high-side on the exit of the second corner at the Australian venue.

Rabat’s Kalex machine suffered severe damage but fortunately he escaped with just grazing to his back.

Rabat, who won three races in last year’s Moto2 world championship, conceded he had been lucky not to be hurt in the spill on his 41st lap of the final day while he was starting a planned second race simulation of the test.

Speaking to MCN, the 24-year-old said: “I was starting to make the last long run of the test and I don’t know why in the second lap but I opened the gas at the same point exiting the second corner and I had a big high-side. I am lucky because I am not hurt so close to the first race and this is the most important. I’m disappointed because I had a very good rhythm and I was going to push to try and make a 1.31 but it was not possible. The important thing is I am fine and I have a good feeling with the bike and I am looking forward to Qatar.”

Rabat had earlier had a tumble at Lukey Heights but he was able to remain quickest of the Moto2 quartet in Australia, who were on a special tyre testing mission for Dunlop after major tyre wear issues badly disrupted last October’s Australian Grand Prix.

He topped the timesheets on each day and was quickest overall with a best time of 1.32.168 set in scorching hot conditions on the second day.

That was the fastest ever lap of the Phillip Island track by a Moto2 bike.