Alex Rins could miss the MotoGP 2020 season opener in Jerez tomorrow after suffering a shoulder injury in qualifying on Saturday afternoon. The Spaniard was declared unfit to run.
The Suzuki man crashed badly in his last qualifying round in the second quarter with a fast right-handed player from Turn 11 and shot into the gravel and barrel several times together with his GSX-RR.
Shortly after the accident, he was taken to the medical center and diagnosed with a shoulder injury that precluded him from further action that weekend.
Jack Miller went down on the same turn just seconds before Rin’s arrival, and the Australian racer found better luck than Rins walking away without injury.
The extremely hot conditions are the most likely culprit for the multitude of falls in the final part of qualifying. Jerez tarmac is getting slippery as the heat has increased since the FP3 session on Saturday morning.
Andrea Dovizioso also crashed in his final qualifying, although the Ducati man instead stuck the front of his GP20 on the slow hairpin at Turn 2.
Like Miller, he escaped without injury; Especially for the Italian who had an operation a few weeks ago for his broken collarbone and is still recovering.
Rins’ side-lining means that Suzuki teammate Joan Mir will be the only representative of the Japanese manufacturers at tomorrow’s GP in Spain. The 18-year-old Moto3 world champion achieved a rather disappointing 12th place on the grid after his strong training speed, in which he took the first three places.
UPDATE: Rins underwent further testing at the local Clinica Mobile hospital and was diagnosed with a fracture, dislocation, and muscle damage in his right shoulder.
Suzuki has released a statement outlining their intentions to allow Rins to compete in the Spanish GP tomorrow morning. However, participation will be decided after being assessed by MotoGP doctors prior to the competition.
UPDATE: After further testing, Alex was diagnosed with a fracture, dislocation, and muscle damage in his right shoulder. His participation in the family doctor is uncertain, doctors will assess his condition tomorrow and make a decision. Let’s cheer him on 💙 @MotoGP #SUZUKing pic.twitter.com/ev3ytaAtrj
– Team Suzuki Ecstar (@suzukimotogp) July 18, 2020