Xavi Vierge suffers multiple fractures

Having secured a career-best fourth in the Superpole race earlier on Sunday, Moto2 convert Vierge was set for another top-five finish on an ever-improving Honda bike as he battled with the Motocorsa Ducati of Axel Bassani.

But just after the halfway point of the race, Bassani hit the front tyre of Vierge’s Honda CBR1000RR at Turn 11, with the Spanish rider revealing that he had to jump off the bike to avoid hitting the wall at the exit of the corner beyond the gravel trap.

It was immediately clear that the accident was severe and Vierge rider was transported to the medical centre for check-ups.

Initial scans have revealed that the 25-year-old suffered a fracture to the base of his third metacarpal bone on his right hand, and a fracture to his capitate and hamate bones on his right wrist.

It remains unclear how long it will take for Vierge to regain full fitness, but a five-week break until the next WSBK round at Donington Park on July 16-17 means the risk of missing races remains low.

Describing the incident after only the second DNF of his rookie season, Vierge said: “The crash was a real pity because we’ve had an incredible weekend and were running a really good second race. 

“I think the other rider [Bassani] overtook me, touching my front wheel, so I found myself in direct line with the wall and had to jump off the bike. I was lucky because I touched the ground at a very high speed. 

“After an initial check, it looks like I might have broken something in my right hand but nothing important. 

“So, first thing Monday I will undergo more comprehensive examinations to understand our next steps in order to be ready to ride as soon as possible. I want to say thank you so much to my team and technicians because they are doing an amazing job.”

Vierge currently sits ninth in the WSBK championship on 63 points, four places and 36 points behind teammate and fellow rookie Iker Lecuona.