Styrian MotoGP stopped after fiery accident for Pedrosa, Savadori
UPDATE: Lorenzo Savadori has a fractured right malleolis and will undergo surgery as soon as possible, meaning he will miss next weekend's event and aim to return at Silverstone.
The Styrian MotoGP has been red-flagged on lap 3 after a fiery accident involving Dani Pedrosa and Lorenzo Savadori at Turn 3.
Pedrosa, who was in twelfth, fell on the exit of the hairpin with Savadori, in 21st, then striking the fallen KTM machine side-on.
Pedrosa, making his first grand prix start since 2018, escaped unhurt but Savadori was left in obvious pain and carried away on a stretcher, as marshals also battled a big fire caused by a ruptured a fuel tank.
What a mess.
— CRASH.NET/MotoGP (@crash_motogp) August 8, 2021
Thankfully, everyone is relatively ok #MotoGP #StyrianGP pic.twitter.com/w1xEiULaDt
The restart will take place over 27 laps using the original grid positions. Because it is a complete restart, both Pedrosa and Savadori should be eligible, depending on any injuries for Savadori.
Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia held the early lead over pole starter Jorge Martin and title leader Fabio Quartararo. Reigning champion Joan Mir had fought his way to second, then ran wide and lost several positions, before bumping into Marc Marquez as he recovered to fourth.
Marquez had himself made contact with Aleix Espargaro at turn 1 of the race, the Aprilia rider making his feelings known to the #93 as they returned to the pits after the red flags.
Top 10 at time of race stoppage:
1. Bagnaia
2. Martin
3. Quartararo
4. Mir
5. Vinales
6. Marc Marquez
7. Zarco
8. Rins
9. Aleix Espargaro
10.Miller
