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2023 MotoGP World Championship
2023 Valencian Community Grand Prix
Circuit Ricardo Tormo
Cheste, Spain
Sunday, 26 November 2023
Aprilia Racing's Aleix Espargaro is in danger of finishing outside the top six in the MotoGP Championship going into the final race of the season at the
Valencian Community Grand Prix on Sunday, November 26.
The Spaniard was sitting fifth in the riders' standings with three rounds remaining in 2023 before back-to-back retirements saw him drop down to sixth place, six points behind Prima Pramac Racing's Johann Zarco.
Espargaro had a nightmare weekend in Sepang after crashing four times during the practice session and then going off the track on race day in the Malaysian Grand Prix as well to retire on lap 9.
Worse was to follow in Lusail as the 34-year-old suffered a fractured leg in a collision with Miguel Oliveira in the sprint race, which resulted in his early exit from the Qatar Grand Prix on lap 6.
Espargaro started 16th on the grid due to receiving a six-place penalty for slapping Monster Energy Yamaha's Franco Morbidelli on the helmet following an incident during a practice session on Saturday.
He is now under pressure from Mooney VR46 Racing Team's Luca Marini and Aprilia Racing team-mate Maverick Vinales, who are four and six points behind him respectively in the championship.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Espargaro revealed he struggled to change gear as a result of the swelling to his left leg, although he hopes to compete in Cheste.
"I have a fracture, but the problem is not really the fracture. The problem is that everything is full of blood, so it was like an [arm pump] feeling," he said after the race.
"[In warm-up] it was impossible to ride due to the pain. I had a lot of [pain-killing] drugs for the race, but I had no power in the foot. I wanted to give it a go today, but I lost feeling and strength so I was unable to work the gear shifter.
"It's a shame because I was very strong from Friday here and yesterday when Miguel hit me super hard on the leg, immediately I felt something broke. So I will try again in Valencia, if I can."
2023 Qatar Grand Prix results:
Winner: Fabio Di Giannantonio - Gresini Racing
Second Place: Francesco Bagnaia - Ducati Lenovo Team
Third Place: Luca Marini - Mooney VR46 Racing Team
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