2022 MotoGP champion Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia will carry a small injury into the Italian GP at Mugello after scans reveal a small fracture in his ankle.
It seems like the injury went unnoticed in the aftermatch of the Franch Grand Prix at Le Mans with the immediate kerfuffle in the gravel with Maverick Viñales initially stealing all the headlines! It was only when Bagnaia flew home and underwent further checks after reporting pain in his right ankle. The injury is being called a small partial talus bone fracture. It is the bone which sits beneath the tibia and fibula, and above the heel bone and it allows the rotational 360-degree movement of your foot.
The fracture seems to have occurred during Bagnaia's coming together with Maverick Viñales, with the two riders clashing at the apex and becoming tangled up as they headed for the gravel. Both riders were up on their feet fairly quickly, although there was a moment of frustration that seemed to boil over as each blamed the other for the crash.
The factory Ducati team have released a statement on social media confirming the injury and also stating that the fracture will not rule the reigning champion out of this weekend’s event.
Bagnaia currently sits at the top of the MotoGP standings, with just one point separating himself and Mooney VR46 Ducati compatriot Marco Bezzecchi. The next race on the calendar will be taking place on June 11th, when the teams and riders head to the stunning Mugello circuit for the Italian Grand Prix.
