VOL. 55 ISSUE 43 OCTOBER 30, 2018 P57
LORENZO BACK FOR
MALAYSIA
Jorge Lorenzo will be back for next
weekend's Malaysian GP, after noted
Spanish surgeon Dr. Xavier Mir fixed
damaged ligaments in an operation
after he flew home following the Japa-
nese GP. Lorenzo, already carrying
foot injuries from a first-corner fall at
Aragon, suffered the left wrist injuries
after his factory Ducati apparently
seized on the first day of practice at
the end of the straight at the Chang
circuit for the Thai GP, triggering a
spectacular high-side crash. He at-
tempted to ride at the Japanese race,
but pulled out in pain before com-
pleting one timed lap in the first free
practice. According to Ducati team
boss Paolo Ciabatta, Dr. Mir found
the previously undiagnosed ligament
damage and was able to repair it in a
simple surgical procedure. Although
he would not be at full fitness, the doc-
tor had said he would be able to ride
at Sepang. "If it proves not possible,
[factory tester] Michele Pirro will be
there to take over," he said.
CAL'S SEASON OVER
British independent-team star Cal
Crutchlow's strong late season came
to an abrupt end on Friday, with a
high-speed crash at Phillip Island's no-
torious Turn One on Friday afternoon.
Crutchlow had just challenged for top
spot with a time that was eventually a
close fifth-fastest and was pushing for
more when the front slid away at the
corner. He immediately clutched at
his right leg, and was stretchered off.
At the track medical center, doctors
diagnosed "a bimalleolar fracture and
anterior tibia part right ankle fracture,"
according to an official statement.
HRC test rider Stefan Bradl will take
Briefly...
Andrea Iannone (29)
was a pre-race favorite
but couldn't keep with
the flying Vinales.
