Rizla Suzuki’s Álvaro Bautista suffered a broken left femur from a fast crash in the closing stages of today’s third practice session in Qatar, which immediately ended his participation in this weekend’s first race.
Bautista landed heavily after high-siding at turn 15 and immediately looked in some serious discomfort. He was instantly taken to the circuit’s superb medical facilities and examined by members of the Clinica Mobile. After a thorough examination, and some x-rays, he was diagnosed with a break to his left femur which will need to be pinned.
Bautista was immediately taken to the Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha for further tests, before a decision will be taken whether to operate in Qatar or for him to return to Spain.
Further information on Bautista’s condition will be updated as soon as more information is available.
Oh wow… poor guy. Here’s the thing: if the doctors are good over here, he should have the operation done ASAP. I broke my right femur (in two places) and they waited for 2 days to operate (long story), so I ended up having three pulmonary emboli because I didn’t move for those two days. Do it now. You have my sympathy Alvaro… that is a very, very painful break. He’s not going to be back to the starting grid for at least 3 months.