MotoGP: Ducati Rider Bagnaia Suffers Ankle Fracture, Likely to Recover Before Italian Grand Prix

After colliding with Maverick Vinales in Sunday's French GP, the defending MotoGP world champion went to the medical facility in Le Mans where he was checked out for injuries. Ducati said in a statement that Bagnaia had "a small partial talus bone fracture" after complaining of discomfort in his right leg after the incident. A statement from Ducati said that Bagnaia's injury was "minor" and "will not prevent his participation in the next Italian GP," which will take place at Mugello from June 9 to 11. Bagnaia took a few days off after his incident on Sunday at Le Mans to keep the inflammation down in his right ankle, despite the fact that the circuit's medics found no injuries. The racer went through with the trip to Misano on Thursday to train with the VR46 Academy riders on a Ducati Superbike Panigale V4, but he had to cut short the session due to soreness. The 26-year-old rushed straight to the hospital, where doctors discovered the broken bone.

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Francesco Bagnaia 'Factory" vs Satellite Controversy 

During the three-week spring break between the French and Italian Grands Prix, MotoGP took on a highly unexpected plot twist. As reported in French media, IRTA President Herve Poncharal responded to remarks made by Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia, who suggested a "bigger gap" between factory and Independent Team machines. 

After Sunday's race, Ducati factory rider Francesco Bagnaia said that all the motorcycles on the grid are presently competitive, which is bad for MotoGP safety. This is due to the fact that the technical regulations are more fair than ever, giving even the satellite teams a shot at winning.

Also Read: MotoGP French GP: GasGas Team Principal Poncharal Slams Bagnaia's 'Factory, Satellite' Remark as 'Nonsense'

MotoGP: Championship Standing 

Bagnaia can hardly afford to miss his home race on June 11 at Mugello, since he is currently leading the championship standings by a single point. He is the defending champion, and another dominant performance would do wonders to turn around Ducati's disappointing season. The Italian's crash at Le Mans was just the latest setback for Ducati in the MotoGP this year. 

Enea Bastianini, another member of the team, has missed the full year due to a shoulder injury. Ducati's strong performance in the constructors' standings is a bright spot. Ducati is in first place, 71 points ahead of KTM since five of the top six riders in the overall standings are riding Ducati motorcycles.