Simoncelli to Miss Qatar Race Due to Hand Injury

Reigning 250cc champion Marco Simoncelli is close to missing the season opener in Qatar this weekend due to a hand injury he picked up when motocrossing back in Italy. The Italian rider was training with his bike when all of a sudden he hit a bump and was projected upwards, landing on his right hand.

Although he did underwent a medical check afterwards and the doctors are yet to give him a clear verdict on the gravity of his injury, Simoncelli admits he is now worried about missing the first race of the season. He did say he'd take the trip to Qatar, only he'll decide whether he competes or not depending on how he is at the time.

“Inside my head there is a will to race in Qatar, and that's my objective. Last year I didn't score any points there but went on to win the title, however I want to try not to miss the race. Obviously if that means putting in danger the future and maybe having trouble for three months, then I won't take those risks. But I'll be in Qatar, to try to race,” said Simoncelli.

The doubts about Simoncelli making it to the Qatar grid were also backed by MotoGP doctor Claudio Costa, who warned that the injury is very delicate and might lead to vascular problems if not taken care of.

“Many riders in the past raced with a broken scaphoid, with or without surgery. Marco's fracture is important, however, because of the race being so close time-wise. The fracture is important and the scaphoid is a delicate area, because that bone often suffers vascular problems,” said Costa.