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MOTOGP | AUSTRALIA TESTING

Petrucci posts Phillip Island fall that resulted in 3 broken fingers

The Italian rider has been forced to wait in Melbourne to be operated on but posted a video of his spectacular fall whilst travelling at 170km per hour.

Mela Chércoles
Mela ChércolesASMelaChercoles
Danilo Petrucci of Italy and Octo Pramac Racing heads down a straight during the 2016 MotoGP Test Day at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on February 18, 2016 in Phillip Island, Australia.
Danilo Petrucci of Italy and Octo Pramac Racing heads down a straight during the 2016 MotoGP Test Day at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on February 18, 2016 in Phillip Island, Australia.Mirco Lazzari gpGetty Images

Italian rider Danilo Petrucci is still in Melbourne waiting to be operated on after suffering fractures to three fingers in his right hand following his dramatic fall on Friday. The incident was recorded track side on a mobile phone and the Italian rider posted the video to his Twitter profile. The 25 year old was travelling at a speed of 170km per hour when he slid off the track in spectacular fashion on bend #8 at the Philip Island circuit. "Not the best place for a crash", joked the Italian on his Twitter feed.

The operation was scheduled to take place today but was postponed as a result of heavy inflammation on the hand. It will now go ahead on Monday or Tuesday and the rider from Terni will have to remain in Australia until he receives the green light from his operating medical team.

The fall was a stroke of bad luck for the Ducati rider coming on the last day of testing. The 25 year old will now miss the Qatar GP testing in March (2-4) and the fall may even force Petrucci to miss the first race of the Moto GP season which also takes place in Qatar on March 20. His potential absence from the opening race in Qatar could open the door to Casey Stoner lining up for Ducati with Michele Pirro being another alternative in the case should Petrucci need to be substituted.