Cal Crutchlow escapes serious injury
Cal Crutchlow joined Jorge Lorenzo in the Sachsenring Medical Centre on Friday afternoon but, unlike the Spaniard, will be able to return to action on Saturday.
Crutchlow, who had fallen heavily at the end of the morning session, fell again in FP2, becoming the latest victim of the Sachsenring's famous Turn 11, a fast right-hander with a downhill blind entry taken flat-out in fourth gear.
Crutchlow was able to walk away but underwent checks on a suspected left arm injury before X-rays confirmed he had escaped any serious damage. The Englishman, on pole at the last Assen round and chasing his fourth podium of the year, did however suffer numerous cuts and abrasions to his hands and arms.
"Obviously today was a very difficult one for Cal, but fortunately after two very big crashes he didn't suffer any serious injury," said team manager Herve Poncharal. "He has no broken bones but in the second crash when he was sliding down the track, several pieces of gravel became trapped inside his right glove. They had to be removed by the medical staff at the Clinica Mobile and the wounds cleaned up.
"Cal's forearm also suffered some friction burns and while it is nothing serious it is still very painful and uncomfortable. He is going to rest now but we are sure that he is going to be fine to ride tomorrow. Cal has incredible mental strength and he is a true fighter, so I have no doubt that he will bounce back from today and still put in a strong performance for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team over the rest of the weekend."
Despite missing most of the afternoon, Crutchlow was sixth fastest (+0.439s) on combined practice times.
Rookie team-mate Bradley Smith was twelfth (+1.010s) at the end of day one, despite the tight and twisty Sachsenring offering a tough physical challenge on the scaphoid bone he damaged at Mugello last month.
"It was a positive day. The Sachsenring is a very physical track, especially for the left side of the body, but it is not giving me too much of a problem. That is great because it proves all the hard work with my physiotherapist back in the UK has paid off with my wrist. It is not at 100% but it is much better than in Assen and I can ride with less discomfort and pain.
"I'm a bit disappointed not to be inside the top 10 but I felt I didn't quite put the best lap together today, so I am sure we can improve for tomorrow. We have a clear direction to improve the setting I have no doubt my Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew will improve our package for tomorrow. I am feeling confident and excited to improve tomorrow."
