Ducati has confirmed that Michele Pirro suffered a concussion and a dislocated shoulder in his horrifying high-speed crash during practice for MotoGP’s Italian Grand Prix.
Long-time Ducati tester Pirro linked up with regulars Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo for the weekend’s round at Mugello, as part of his usual wildcard programme.
Pirro held second to Suzuki’s Andrea Iannone in the second practice session when he suffered a terrifying crash at the end of the long main straight, where speeds reach 220mph.
Pirro’s rear tyre lifted off the tarmac and he was thrown from the bike and onto the circuit, losing consciousness upon impact, before being hurtled across the gravel run-off.
The session was halted while doctors quickly tended to the prone Pirro, before he regained consciousness and was transferred by ambulance to the circuit’s Medical Centre.
“After first checks at the Medical Center of Mugello, Michele was diagnosed with concussion and dislocated right shoulder, which was put back into place,” Ducati confirmed.
“The Full Body Scan done at Careggi Hospital of Florence was positive and there are no further complications.
“As always in these cases, Pirro will remain in hospital overnight under observation, at least until tomorrow morning.”
