Pol Espargaro Portuguese MotoGP, 24 March 2023 // Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202303240492 // Usage for editorial use only //
Pol Espargaro has given an update on his current health following a long break from social media following his horrific crash in the season opening Portuguese Grand Prix.
The GasGas MotoGP racer sustained a broken jaw as well as a total of eight fractures – including one in his dorsal vertebra – after crashing at the Algarve International Circuit’s Turn 10 during practice for the Portuguese GP in March and being thrown into an unprotected barrier, the Spaniard having been unable to talk or eat properly for the past month since undergoing surgery to repair his jaw.
Espargaro posted a brief message on social media in order to give an update on his progress as he is now able to speak, the 2013 Moto2 world champion explaining that he doesn’t yet know when he’ll be able to make his competition return, though his recovery is progressing as expected.
“Hi everyone! Finally I’m back on social media. It’s been a month and week after the crash and I can talk a little bit, I’m saying that because I broke my jaw in two places, I’ve been with my jaw completely closed for four weeks after the crash, I couldn’t eat, I lost a lot of weight, but finally I can smile and I can talk quite good so that’s why I making this message,” began Espargaro.
“Also I had an injury in my ear that had surgery after the crash, I had eight fractures in my body, two in my ribs, one in my neck, three in my back which I think are taking a little bit longer because the fractures in my back are the ones the doctors are still checking a little bit deeply. One is better but I’ve lost half of the size.
“I don’t know when I’ll jump back on the bike honestly, I’m just going to keep you a little bit more updated than the last month and a half so yeah, thanks for all the messages, I love you so much.”
It’s unlikely Espargaro will be back in action before the six-week summer break begins at the end of June, though KTM test rider Jonas Folger will continue to deputise within the GasGas operation until he recovers sufficiently to make his return to action.
Keyword: Espargaro gives medical update following nasty Portuguese GP crash