Cluzel: "My surgeon assured me of a quick recovery"
The pair collided when running first and second in Race 2 with Cluzel transferred to a local hospital following the crash
The opening laps of Race 2 in FIM Supersport World Championship at MotorLand Aragon for the Pirelli Teruel Round were full of drama and that drama culminated with leading duo Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) and Raffaele de Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) colliding on Lap 4; the Italian rider running in second place and hitting Cluzel who was leading.
The incident at Turn 1 forced both riders to retire from the race with Cluzel taken to the medical centre where he was diagnosed with a fracture to his tibia and fibula on his left leg, with the Frenchman being transferred to Alcañiz hospital for further assessment.
Cluzel, who is currently second in the WorldSSP standings, said: “I honestly feel good. Pierre Metais, my surgeon, assured me of a quick recovery. Christophe stayed with me yesterday and is waiting with me for my departure to France. Thank you to him, I sincerely appreciate it. This accident is a real shame because I felt I was in a position to win for the first time this season… I will do everything I can to be back on my Yamaha before the end of the season”
De Rosa also reacted to the crash, saying: “I’m really disappointed with what happened on lap four and the crash involving Cluzel. Jules is a fair friend and opponent and I'm really sorry he got injured. I hope he can be back on track soon. I was lying second and felt comfortable on the bike. Unfortunately, as I was braking into Turn 1, the French rider and I touched, and both fell. I’m really sorry for my team as they’ve worked so hard all weekend. I’ll try to make up for things next time out in Barcelona”.
The incident was placed under investigation by the FIM WorldSBK Stewards with de Rosa penalised for following the crash. The Italian rider was sanctioned and will have to start his next race from the pit lane.
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