Mattia Pasini had to delay his return to Moto2 as a wildcard rider with Fantic Racing after sustaining a lower back injury during a private test at BRNO last week. The seasoned Italian racer, who competed fully in the 2018 Grand Prix season and now works as a SkyItalia expert, was expected to participate in three wildcard events starting with the German Grand Prix this weekend. However, his comeback has been pushed back to the following Czech round.
Pasini expressed his enthusiasm for the wildcard appearances and how much effort he put into preparing, having a career that spans 125cc, 250cc, and 12 Grand Prix wins in Moto2 classes. Unfortunately, during testing, he had a severe crash while trying out some unresolved technical adjustments, resulting in a hip injury that led him to skip the Sachsenring race. He emphasized that recovery is now his priority, aiming to be fully fit for the upcoming rounds in BRNO and Austria.
Despite the setback, Pasini remains involved with SkyItalia and plans to attend the German Grand Prix weekend, providing insights into his incident behind the scenes. The team is also considering compensating for the missed race with a third wildcard opportunity later this season, with discussions underway between Pasini, Team Manager Roberto Locatelli, and Project Leader Stefano Bedon.
Locatelli stressed the importance of caution and ensuring full recovery before returning to the track, while Bedon acknowledged that Pasini’s age means crashes come with longer recovery times. They are optimistic about welcoming him back at Brno. Meanwhile, full-time Fantic rider Aron Canet is engaged in a tight championship battle with Manuel Gonzalez, only five points apart heading into the Sachsenring event.
Fan Take: This news is significant for racing fans because it highlights the physical demands and risks even experienced riders face when returning to competition. Pasini’s delay and cautious approach promote the crucial message that recovery and health are paramount, potentially impacting team strategies and the competitive dynamics in the Moto2 season.
