MotoGP Styria: Lorenzo Savadori to undergo ankle surgery after fiery crash

Aprilia rider Lorenzo Savadori is set to undergo ankle surgery today (August 9) following his collision with Dani Pedrosa’s KTM at the Grand Prix of Styria.

On the third lap of the race, Pedrosa fell from his RC16 on the exit of turn three. With his bike stranded in the middle of the track, the riders behind took evasive action to avoid any contact. However, Savadori was unable to react in time and rode head-on into the stricken bike.

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As a result, the KTM’s fuel tank was split, and flames soon engulfed the bikes and the Red Bull Ring tarmac – causing the race to be red flagged as a result. A huge clear-up operation began to put the flames out and remove any oil/fluids from the circuit. It’s the third consecutive premier class race at the Austrian circuit to be red flagged

Pedrosa escaped unhurt, however Savadori fractured his right ankle, specifically a fracture of the malleolus. All things considered, both riders were very fortunate not to suffer any injuries more severe than a single fractured ankle. 

Pedrosa was able to restart the race on his second RC16, however Savadori was unable to do so and will now miss this weekend’s Austrian Grand prix, which is also held at the Red Bull Ring. The Italian hopes to recover in time for the British GP at Silverstone on August 27-29.

With such a short period in-between races it’s not known whether Aprilia will draft in a replacement for Savadori this weekend. Some fans, and members of the paddock, will hope for a return of Andrea Dovizioso, who became Aprilia’s official test rider a few months ago. The Italian has won three of the seven races to be held at the Red Bull Ring.

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