Horror first-corner crash at MotoGP Catalan GP sees rider smash his face into rival’s tyre with helmet shattered

TAKAAKI NAKAGAMI was lucky to escape serious injury during this year’s Catalan GP as his helmet completely shattered in a horror crash. The collision occurred at the first corner of the famous Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Nakagami lost control while leaning into the turn which resulted in him falling off his bike completely. He then slid […]

TAKAAKI NAKAGAMI was lucky to escape serious injury during this year’s Catalan GP as his helmet completely shattered in a horror crash.

The collision occurred at the first corner of the famous Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

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AP

The driver’s helmet smashed before he crashed into Rins[/caption]

AP

Both riders slid into the gravel[/caption]

Nakagami lost control while leaning into the turn which resulted in him falling off his bike completely.

He then slid into the rear wheel of Francesco Bagnaia and violently hit his head before flying into the path of Alex Rins.

The contact saw Rins bounce into the air before both drivers flew onto the gravel at the side of the track.

The visor on Nakagami’s helmet was left completely shattered after the LCR Honda racer collided with Bagnaia’s rear tire.

Both drivers were conscious after the accident, but they were sent to the medical centre as a precaution.

After an initial medical check, Nakagami was sent to the Hospital General de Catalunya for further examinations.

Rins voluntarily went for extra checks after experiencing pain in his left hand.

Monster Energy Yamaha driver Fabio Quartararo went on to win the race following an unbelievable blunder from Aleix Espargaro.

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The Spaniard stopped one lap too early, which ultimately cost him a place on the podium.

He now sits 22 points adrift of Quartararo in the Moto GP Riders Championship standings.

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AFP

Espargaro stopped with one lap to go[/caption]