Pol Espargaro will miss KTM's home MotoGP race this weekend at the Red Bull Ring after suffering a broken collarbone in a crash during warm-up for the Czech Grand Prix.
Espargaro suffered a highside into Turn 3 during the 20-minute session on Sunday morning, and was taken to the medical centre before being transferred to a local hospital.
The KTM rider was diagnosed with a broken collarbone, and was forced to sit out the Brno race, while his participation at Red Bull Ring was also in doubt.
The Austrian marque has now confirmed Espargaro will be sidelined for its homecoming this weekend, but revealed he will not need surgery on the injury.
“Pol was checked in Barcelona on Monday morning and we had the positive news that he wouldn't need surgery for what is just a crack, rather than a full break to his collarbone,” KTM boss Mike Leitner said.
“There was also no damage to other bones or to his spine. He will have another check this week when the swelling has reduced.
“Pol needs to rest and we’ll have to keep assessing and controlling his situation as he has a lot of neck pain.
“He’ll stay in hospital until the end of the week so for sure he will not make the Grand Prix at Spielberg.”
KTM will field only one bike at the Red Bull Ring this weekend with Bradley Smith, as test rider Mika Kallio – who was scheduled to make a wildcard appearance – is still recovering from extensive surgery on a knee injury he picked up during a practice crash at the Sachsenring.
Smith compounded KTM's difficult Brno weekend, when he was taken out in a collision with Stefan Bradl and Maverick Vinales at Turn 3 on the opening lap.
