US MotoGP Schedule 2023: 3 Riders Will Be Absent, Including Last Year's Champion

US MotoGP Schedule 2023: 3 Riders Will Be Absent, Including Last Year's Champion

Enea Bastianini is the fastest in the United States MotoGP

Enea Bastianini (center), Alex Rins (left) and Jack Miller celebrate their victory in the United States MotoGP race at the Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, United States of America, April 10 2022. Enea Bastianini won first place, Alex Rins won second place, and Jack Miller won third place. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

spartawin.blogspot.com america - MotoGP still loses a number of riders when the third series of 2023 takes place at the Circuit of the Americas this weekend. There are three names that will be absent. One of them is the Ducati Lenovo rider Enea Bastianini.

"Bastianini still needs a few more weeks to fully recover from the right shoulder injury he suffered in Portugal," said a Ducati statement.

“Therefore, Enea will continue his rehabilitation with the aim of returning to the track at Jerez. He will be replaced by Michele Pirro at the race in Texas," he added.

Bastianini is reported to have suffered a fracture of his right scapula after being involved in an accident at the 2023 Portugal MotoGP sprint race at the Algarve International Circuit, late last month. Teammate Pecco Bagnaia was hit by friction with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) at Turn 5.

As a result of this incident, Bastianini was unable to participate in the main race. He also missed the Argentina MotoGP series.

Bastianini is not the only name that will disappear at the 2023 US MotoGP. Several other riders are also absent following an injury suffered in Portugal.

One of them is the Repsol Honda racer Marc Marquez who is still recovering from an injury. Marquez suffered a fractured thumb after being involved in an incident at the opening MotoGP 2023 series in Portugal. The seven-time world champion in the premier class was originally fit again to race in Uncle Sam's country.

However, the latest inspection dashed his hopes. "Marquez's metacarpal bones are still in the process of recovery. After discussing with all stakeholders, we all decided on preventive steps," wrote the official statement from Honda Racing.

"Let the injury completely heal. We avoid all risks. Marquez will continue to undergo the rehabilitation process at home so that he can recover as soon as possible."

Pol Espargaro's KTM driver also disappeared. Meanwhile, Joan Mir is reportedly ready to appear at the 2023 United States MotoGP.