Jorge Lorenzo suffered a dramatic high-side on the very first lap of the US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca, his debut American race ending in the gravel at turn five. The Spaniard broke the third and fifth metatarsal bones in his left foot and will now face a race to be fit for the next race in Brno, in a month’s time.
Lorenzo made a good start and was looking promising in fourth place when the crash happened. It was immediately clear that he had injured himself, a depressing realisation for a rider who has already had to cope with two broken ankles and a concussion this season.
With the summer break coming before the next race however the outlook is good for the 21-year-old, who has flown home tonight for further assessment in Barcelona this week.
There was cause for celebration on the other side of the garage as Valentino Rossi won his first ever US Grand Prix, following a scintillating battle with Casey Stoner. Rossi now leads Stoner by 25 points whilst Lorenzo remains in fourth.
UPDATE: July 23, 2008 04:55 am
Analysis at the USP Institut Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona, where Lorenzo has unfortunately been a frequent visitor in his rookie season in MotoGP, revealed fractures of the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal of the Fiat Yamaha rider’s left foot. The breaks were suffered without dislocation, and Lorenzo´s ankle was not reinjured in the crash.
Ten days of limited movement have been prescribed by Dr. Xavier Mir, with the goal of complete mobility in time for the next round of the MotoGP World Championship in Brno. Lorenzo will have a cast on his foot during that time, with a weight-relieving splint attached afterwards to allow him to walk thereafter.
“I’m in a quite a lot of pain and angry, because this new fall stops my progress,” said Lorenzo.
“I have plaster in my left foot but I can hardly walk because my right foot also hurts from the impact, although fortunately there are no injuries.
“Luckily I have time to recover for Brno, even if I’m left with no vacation.”
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