Rea could miss WSB opener after 130mph crash
Added on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Rea could miss WSB opener after 130mph crash
Jonathan Rea could miss the start of the World Superbike championship after injuring in a 130mph testing crash at Phillip Island.
The Castrol Honda rider dislocated the ring finger on his left hand and is currently undergoing x-rays and scans on his left wrist at The Alfred Hospital following the crash at turn three of the Phillip Island circuit, just four days before the start of the new WSB championship.
The injury could rule the Northern Irish rider, one of the favourites for the 2011 championship, out of the opening races and the Honda rider admitted that he would not be prepared to race unless he was at full fitness.
“I’m so frustrated because we were just about there on race pace and everything was feeling really good,” said Rea, who was running fastest during the test before the crash.
“Early in this afternoon’s session, I was in turn three and winding it on when I suddenly felt the rear squirming and then I realised the bike was on fire. Basically I had to get off it quickly and unfortunately it was at 130mph, which is quick enough.
“My finger and wrist are sore – in fact I’m pretty sore all over – but I’m still waiting for the final diagnosis. At the moment it’s too early to know how I’ll be feeling at the weekend, but I certainly didn’t want to start this season the way I finished the last one.
“I know it’s one of those things that you don’t expect and can’t prepare for, but it’s nobody’s fault and we’ll just have to hope I can be back on it soon.”
