Capirossi hurt again, unable to continue at Assen
Capirossi was making his comeback at Assen following a collision at Catalunya earlier this month, and vindicated his decision to participate this weekend by setting the 12th quickest time in this morning's practice. Unfortunately, in this afternoon's session he crashed in a fast left-hand corner and high-sided his Suzuki GSV-R.
As the bike and Capirossi tumbled towards the gravel at high-speed, his right inner forearm got stuck underneath the bike resulting in a substantial and deep hole. Capirossi was immediately taken to the medical centre and operated on to repair the wound. He will now rest the injury and will not take any further part at this weekend's event. A decision as to whether AMA Champion Ben Spies – who is present at Assen – will replace Capirossi will be taken later this evening by the Suzuki team.
"After this morning's practice I was quite happy, because my hand was working well and there was no pain," said Capirossi. "I felt that I was riding quite well and settling back into things. In the afternoon I came in and put on a new tire and the first lap out it felt quite good, but when I changed down from sixth to fourth gear and leaned on the left side I lost control and the bike jumped me out of the seat.
"The problem was that when I crashed the bike came on top of me and I get this hole in my arm. It was not easy when that happened, but I know I have great support all around me from many people. I will now work to get myself 100% right and jump back on the bike as soon as possible!"