Rea breaks femur after hitting oil

PATA Honda’s Jonathan Rea was involved in an accident during the first WSB race at the Nurburgring after hitting oil on the track leading to a broken left femur.

Oil had been dropped onto the circuit at Turn 8 by Federico Sandi’s Pedercini Kawasaki which caused Rea to crash, hitting the air fence at a brute force as well as getting tangled with his own bike. The race was immediately red-flagged.

Rea believes he saw no oil flag after Turn 6: “It’s unbelievable what was happening with the flags in the race because I saw an oil flag at turn six but then nothing at turn seven or after that.

“I went down at the fast left at turn eight and, unfortunately, I stayed conscious throughout so I can remember everything. I was feeling pretty good before then and, although I didn’t have the pace to pass the guys in front, it was clear I had the best package and, although it was late in the race, I still had good grip levels. Until I hit the oil.”

Leon Camier also crashed as a result of the oil at Turn 8 and was airlifted to Stiffungs Klinicum to be assessed for potential neck injuries. Fortunately, Camier was given the all-clear despite the heavy crash.

Fixi Crescent Suzuki Team Manager Paul Denning said: “We'll speak to the Race Direction to see if these matters can be explained and hopefully improved in the future.

“The team is relieved that Leon's injuries don't appear to be too serious, but we also send our best wishes to Johnny Rea who also through no fault of his own was involved in the crash.”

Rea has since undergone surgery and tweeted this morning: “Spoke with surgeon that performed the operation and he was real happy with it. Today I'll have further x rays then hopefully get home soon!”