5 Racers Who Might Miss Indonesian MotoGP 2023 For Next Sunday
The excitement leading up to the Indonesian MotoGP 2023 is palpable, but the road to the race isn’t always smooth.
Injuries and unforeseen circumstances can disrupt a rider’s journey to the starting grid. As we approach the highly anticipated event at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, here are five racers who might miss the Indonesian MotoGP next Sunday due to various challenges.
1. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team)
Marco Bezzecchi’s 2023 MotoGP season took an unfortunate turn when he crashed during practice at the Motor Ranch in Tavullia. The Italian rider suffered a broken right collarbone, leading to surgery and a race against time to recover for the Indonesian GP. While Team Mooney VR46 Racing reported a successful surgery, Bezzecchi’s return to the track remains uncertain. Missing this crucial race could deal a severe blow to his championship aspirations, as he currently holds third place in the standings with 265 points.
2. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team)
Another rider from the Mooney VR46 Racing Team facing injury setbacks is Luca Marini. He sustained a similar collarbone injury during a collision with Bezzecchi in a sprint race at the Bharat GP. Marini’s determination to return to the grid is admirable, but the timeline for his recovery is tight. The upcoming Indonesian GP poses a significant challenge for Marini’s race readiness, and his participation remains uncertain.
3. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing)
Alex Marquez, riding for Gresini Racing, suffered injuries during a sprint race incident at the Indian Grand Prix. He sustained three rib fractures during the collision, forcing him to sit out the Motegi weekend. While Marquez aims to return for the Indonesian Grand Prix, his recovery progress will determine his ability to compete. The physical demands of MotoGP racing, especially at a challenging circuit like Mandalika, could pose challenges for the Spanish rider.
4. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Factory Team)
Enea Bastianini’s journey in the 2023 MotoGP season has been marred by multiple fractures sustained in a Turn 1 pile-up at the Catalan Grand Prix. While the Italian rider has shown resilience in his recovery efforts, the Indonesian GP might come too soon for a full return to action. The challenging nature of the Mandalika circuit could present additional hurdles for Bastianini, raising questions about his participation next Sunday.
5. Alex Rins (LCR Honda)
Alex Rins of LCR Honda has been sidelined by injury since the Mugello round in June due to a broken right leg. He made a brief return to Motegi but experienced significant pain during Friday’s practice sessions, leading to his withdrawal for the remainder of the weekend. Rins has been eager to resume racing, but his recovery process remains a concern. Whether he can regain full fitness in time for the Indonesian MotoGP is uncertain.
The Indonesian Grand Prix 2023 promises to be a thrilling spectacle, but it’s also a stark reminder of the physical toll and uncertainties faced by MotoGP riders. Injuries and setbacks are part and parcel of this high-speed, high-stakes sport. As fans eagerly await the race, the fate of these five racers hangs in the balance. Their determination, combined with the efforts of medical teams and rigorous rehabilitation, will determine whether they can overcome the odds and make it to the starting grid next Sunday.
