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The incident that occurred between Pol Espargarò and Loris Baz at Silverstone was a serious one but fortunately the two riders have not suffered any serious consequences. The Frenchman has, however, undergone further tests at the de la Tour hospital, in Merin in Switzerland, and the tests carried out by doctor Finn Malher have identified two fractures.
The first is to the lower part of the tibia, the second to the talus of his right foot. There is also grazing, a small piece of bone that's come away and tendon damage. Having ruled out an operation, doctors have immobilised the leg and told the rider to rest up.
The injury means Baz will not be able to race at Misano and the Avintia team has therefore called upon Xavi Forés to replace the Frenchman. The Spaniard is currently competing in SBK, riding a Ducati Panigale for Team Barni and has never competed in a MotoGP event.
“It is a real shame to get this news from my doctors in Switzerland, and I didn’t expect it - commented Baz - Surgery is not possible and so I just have to take time and rest, so I’m forced to miss the Misano race. Anyway, I am lucky to not have more serious injuries. I feel bad and sorry for my team, because we have been improving over the last few races. I’ll try my best to come back as soon as possible and finish the year in the best possible way. This has been another hard blow after what happened at Mugello but I have to be positive and look ahead. I hope Xavi enjoys the weekend, I'm sure he will. He’ll also have a great team behind him, and I’ll be there in case he needs any advice.”
Forés cannot wait to get on the Desmosedici: “I’m really happy for this opportunity and I’m sure this will be a positive experience. My aim is to enjoy myself and leave the pressure at home. I have nothing to prove, the bike is completely different to anything I’ve ridden before. I have to be clever because everything will be new for me. Riding a MotoGP bike is a dream for every rider, and I’m looking forward to getting started. It will be crucial to avoid making any mistakes so I don’t get hurt, because I have to race in Germany next week with my WSBK team. Misano is one of my favourite circuits where I have achieved my best results so far this season in WSBK, so it is the best possible location to start work with an unknown bike."
