Crutchlow avoids major injury at Le Mans; race status uncertain

LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow has avoid major injuries from a highside crash in the qualifying 1 session for the MotoGP Grand Prix of France.

Exiting turn nine on a fast lap, the British rider was thrown over the top of his bike, before then being hit again by the motorcycle as it slid along the asphalt behind him.

Crutchlow was attended to immediately by the marshals and medical staff at the side of the track. He did not lose consciousness but complained of pain in the hip region. He was stretchered off, before being transferred by ambulance to the circuit’s medical center. Once he was checked over by the medical team at the circuit, he was taken to the Centre Hospitalier du Mans for further examinations.

https://twitter.com/MotoGP/status/997826790801391616

Provisionally, Crutchlow qualified 13th, but a decision hasn't been made as to whether he will be fit to race.

“The most important thing first of all, is that after examination both at the Le Mans circuit medical center and here at the hospital in Le Mans, Cal has suffered no fractures or major injuries," LCR Honda team principal Lucio Cecchinello said. "However, before Cal can be discharged from the hospital, he must undergo a series of blood tests and get their results.

“We will await the results of these tests and reports before making any further decisions, and will endeavor to keep the media and fans updated as soon as we have more information.”