News Summary
- Raúl Fernández fractured a finger in the first-corner crash that eliminated both leading Aprilias from the Indonesian sprint.
- The Trackhouse rider accused Marco Bezzecchi of unprofessional riding after losing the opportunity to fight for victory.
- Fernández has been declared medically fit to ride, but swelling in his hand leaves his participation in Sunday’s Grand Prix uncertain.
Raúl Fernández has revealed that he fractured a finger in his opening-corner collision with Marco Bezzecchi during the Indonesian MotoGP sprint, launching a fierce criticism of the factory Aprilia rider after both crashed out at Mandalika.
Fernández had started from pole position for the first time in MotoGP, with Bezzecchi alongside him on the front row. However, their race ended at Turn 1 after contact between the two Aprilias, removing both riders from contention before they could complete a lap.
Speaking after the sprint, Fernández confirmed that medical examinations had identified a small fracture. Although he has been declared fit to ride, his hand is swollen and he intends to assess his condition during Sunday’s warm-up.
Fernández accuses Bezzecchi of unprofessional riding
Fernández was visibly angry after the collision, which followed a difficult braking sequence involving several riders at the front of the field.
The Trackhouse rider accused Bezzecchi of focusing on beating him into the first corner rather than considering the consequences for both Aprilias.
“Marco did something he shouldn’t have done,” Fernández told reporters.
He described the manoeuvre as “unprofessional” and expressed frustration that the two fastest riders from qualifying had eliminated each other.
Fernández also revealed that Aprilia’s riders had discussed avoiding unnecessary interference before the sprint, given the pace demonstrated by the RS-GP throughout the weekend.
The collision left both riders in the gravel, while Jorge Martín escaped the incident to take the lead ahead of Marc Márquez.
As GRANDE PRÊMIO reported in Friday’s Practice coverage, Fernández had set a new Mandalika lap record before securing his maiden MotoGP pole on Saturday.
Finger fracture leaves Indonesian GP participation uncertain
Fernández confirmed that the accident had left him with a fractured finger and considerable swelling.
He has received medical clearance to participate in Sunday’s activities, but intends to test his ability to control the motorcycle during warm-up before making a final assessment.
The injury is particularly significant at Mandalika, where repeated changes of direction and heavy braking place considerable demands on a rider’s hands.
Bezzecchi, meanwhile, disputed Fernández’s criticism and described the contact as a racing incident.
The factory Aprilia rider maintained that the collision resulted from the crowded approach to Turn 1 rather than a deliberate attempt to eliminate his rival.
The incident also played a decisive role in the championship battle, allowing Márquez to capitalise on Aprilia’s difficult sprint and take the championship lead.
The complete Indonesian MotoGP schedule, including qualifying and broadcast information is available in GRANDE PRÊMIO‘s weekend guide. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides full coverage of the MotoGP championship.
