Team Suzuki Press Office – August 12.
Maverick Viñales put in a strong and consistent day of practice today ahead of Sunday’s Red Bull Ring MotoGP™ 10th round in Austria to post third position aboard his GSX-RR, as team-mate Aleix Espargaró was unlucky to crash-out of FP2 early-on and couldn't complete the session, as the injuries he suffered required a medical investigation.
Viñales topped FP1 with a time of 1'25.866 with Espargaró in 15th (1'27.067), as both riders tested some new-design ‘Winglets’ on their machines. These are bigger than the standard ones, and this is meant to help the rider counterbalance the wheeling of the machine. In the afternoon’s final FP2, Viñales posted a much faster 1'24.471 on his final lap of 21, but Espargaró, who was in fifth position early on, only completed four laps and sits in 18th with a time of 1'25.945.
Following the crash, Espargaró needed further checks at the Medical Centre. The RX to his left hand highlighted a small fracture to the proximal phalanx of the third finger, which has been treated by fixing the third finger to the second finger with an elastic bandage. His right hand presents a sprain of the metacarpophalanx articulation of the right thumb; and this will be treated with physiotherapy. He will now undergo some medical treatment this evening and his situation will be evaluated further tomorrow morning.
