Aleix Espargaro will not be able to replace the injured Somkiat Chantra at the Hungarian Grand Prix – a bike accident forces the Honda test rider to withdraw
The LCR Honda team is now without a replacement rider for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Test rider Aleix Espargaro was supposed to step in for the injured Somkiat Chantra, but a crash off the track thwarted the experienced Spaniard’s plans.
Espargaro was injured in a training accident on his bike a few days before the weekend. Initially, the incident did not appear to have any serious consequences.
However, upon his arrival in the paddock on Thursday morning, it became apparent that the injuries were more serious than expected. After an examination, doctors confirmed an injury to the lumbar spine (L3).
The 34-year-old is now traveling back to Barcelona to undergo further tests at the Hospital Universitari Dexeus. This means that Somkiat Chantra, who has been missing since Assen, will not be replaced in Hungary, and LCR Honda will compete with only one rider.
Pol Espargaro: “I knew he would have problems.”
His brother Pol Espargaro, who is himself riding as a replacement for Maverick Vinales at Tech3-KTM in Hungary, revealed on Thursday: “When I came into the paddock, I saw him walking, totally stiff. I had already seen on his Instagram stories that he was pretty shaken up after the bike crash.”
“I knew right away that he would have a tough time this weekend. It’s obviously a shame that he won’t be able to start at all.” This means that LCR Honda will only be competing with Johann Zarco at the MotoGP premiere in Balaton Park.
Johann Zarco: “A hard blow for the mechanics”
The Frenchman was particularly concerned about the crew: “It’s really unfortunate for the team. The mechanics travel here, build the bike, and in the end they can’t work. It’s tough because they need this challenge too. For them, a piece of this weekend is now missing.”
At the same time, Zarco pointed out how difficult it is to find a replacement rider of MotoGP caliber at short notice. “This category is special; not everyone can just get on a bike and be competitive right away.”
“Aleix had a good rhythm after his test in Barcelona. It would have been interesting to see him here. It’s all the more sad that he got injured.”
