Aprilia MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaro has fractured his left finger after an early crash during Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.
The Spaniard, who put Aprilia on the top of the timesheets for the first time in the premier class on Friday by topping second practice, crashed out of sixth place at the start of the eighth lap.
He was diagnosed with a broken fourth metacarpal bone in his left hand as a result of the accident.
While circuit doctors are understood to have at first recommended Espargaro undergo surgery on the finger, it was ultimately decided to immobilise it and wait for the swelling to reduce.
Surgery would likely have ruled out Espargaro from competing in next weekend’s Sepang race, but now he is expected to try and race in Malaysia.
“The race was going well,” said Espargaro.
“Despite a less than perfect start, I had already rejoined the leading group and I had a good feeling.
“Unfortunately, as I was overtaking Miller on the first turn, I went a bit too wide, ending up on the dirty part of the track and sliding out.
“I should be able to participate in the race in Malaysia even with the injury to my hand. We’ll see what the conditions are on Friday.”