MotoGP: Dani Pedrosa Misses Qualifying, Uncertain to Race

Dani Pedrosa is in doubt for Sunday’s race after suffering a major highside on Saturday morning at the Sachsenring. The Repsol Honda man entered the slow right hander at Turn 1 on his first full flying lap when the rear of the bike came round on him, flinging him a long way off the bike.

Pedrosa fell heavily on his left shoulder – the shoulder he injured badly at Motegi in 2010, and then again at Le Mans in 2011, suffering complications until the end of the 2011 season. He got up holding his collarbone, and as rushed to the medical center.

Preliminary examinations showed no fractures, but as Pedrosa was about to undergo a second X-ray, he suffered a sudden loss in blood pressure, and it was not deemed safe to proceed. He was then flown to the local Chemnitz hospital, where he recovered sufficiently to undergo a CAT scan, which revealed a microfracture in his left collarbone, but no further injuries.

Pedrosa has since returned to the track, where he is back in the medical center, but he will not take part in this afternoon’s qualifying session. Just as Jorge Lorenzo did at Assen, Pedrosa will start from 12th on the grid, if he is able to race.

There is a question mark hanging over whether he will be able or be allowed to race. Along with the bang to his collarbone, Pedrosa took a very powerful blow to the head. He was being checked for a suspected concussion. He left the medical center to return to his motor home to rest. He appears not to have suffered a concussion.

Pedrosa’s participation now rests on the decision of the circuit doctor, who will assess his situation in the morning. The medical staff at the Sachsenring are known to be strict, and have prevented riders from racing before. The most prominent example in recent years was Casey Stoner, who had a big crash in 2006, and was prevented from racing by the circuit doctor because he had suffered a concussion.

Pedrosa may speak to the press later today. More updates on his condition as they arrive.

This article was originally published on MotoMatters, and is republished here on Asphalt & Rubber with permission by the author.