Francesco Bagnaia faced two harrowing incidents on Catalunya GP’s opening lap, creating a heart-stopping moment for the Ducati Lenovo Team.
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The reigning World Champion, fortunate to escape with only bruises, confronted a terrifying highside and a close encounter with Brad Binder’s KTM.
As the race began promisingly for Bagnaia, he swiftly seized the lead with a stellar start. However, disaster struck on the exit of turn 2, as Bagnaia’s Desmosedici GP abruptly slipped from his control, catapulting him into a violent highside that left spectators breathless.
Adding to the drama, fate soon delivered another cruel twist. Brad Binder, representing KTM Factory Racing, found himself in close proximity to Bagnaia’s ill-fated descent.
Despite Binder’s valiant efforts to avoid the fallen Ducati rider, his bike’s wheels inadvertently passed over Bagnaia’s lower legs.
After the incidents, Bagnaia’s condition was a cause for concern. They swiftly transported him to Hospital General de Catalunya for additional evaluation after the initial check at the circuit’s medical center, conducting X-rays and CT scans.
Fortunately, the initial medical reports brought relief to the Ducati Lenovo Team and fans worldwide. Bagnaia avoided fractures but was left with painful bruises as reminders of the crashes.
Bagnaia himself commented, “It wasn’t a typical highside, and it’s hard to explain what happened. Luckily, I wasn’t seriously hurt. We’ll focus on returning to the track for next week’s GP at Misano.”
As the motorsport world sighed in relief, Bagnaia’s resilience and fortune inspired many. Despite the rocky start, he remains determined to come back stronger in the upcoming Misano GP.
The Ducati Lenovo Team and its fans can find comfort in the fact that their World Champion narrowly escaped disaster at the Monster Energy GP of Catalunya.