MotoGP Mugello: Ducati wildcard Pirro hospitalised after FP2 crash
Ducati wildcard Michele Pirro has been taken to hospital after suffering a violent crash in Friday's second MotoGP practice session at Mugello
Pirro, who is Ducati's designated test rider but is making his customary Italian Grand Prix appearance with the Italian manufacturer, was second in the FP2 timesheets when he crashed heavily less than 20 minutes into the session.
The Ducati's rear tyre lifted off the ground as Pirro braked into Turn 1 at the end of the main straight, throwing Pirro off the bike and high up into the air.
The 32-year-old lost consciousness upon impact with the ground and tumbled into the gravel, where he was attended to by medical staff.
Medical Director Info Update:@PirroRider has suffered trauma to his chest, abdomen and spine following his crash in FP2
— MotoGP™??? (@MotoGP) June 1, 2018
We will update with more information when we have it#MotoGP #ItalianGP
With the session red-flagged as a consequence, Pirro was initially taken to the circuit medical centre for a check-up, with the series confirming that he had regained consciousness.
It has since been confirmed he will be taken to a hospital in the nearby city of Florence for additional checks, including a CT scan.
Speaking to Spanish TV channel Movistar, Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti revealed that Pirro was awake and alert, but could not recall the crash.
"I spoke a few minutes ago with [Ducati team manager] Davide Tardozzi, who is in the medical centre," Ciabatti said. "Apparently the situation is less serious than it looked before.
"Michele recognises people and can talk. He doesn't remember anything.
"He can move his legs and arms, but he could have a problem with the shoulder, so they are going to check it in a hospital in Florence with an MRI to make sure nothing is broken."
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