---
title: "Espargaro withdraws from Malaysian Grand Prix"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/10/24/espargaro-withdraws-from-malaysian-grand-prix/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2017-10-24T12:08:28Z"
modified: "2017-10-24T12:08:28Z"
---

# Espargaro withdraws from Malaysian Grand Prix

Aleix Espargaro has announced he has withdrawn from this weekend’s Malaysian MotoGP race to return home for surgery on a finger injury he sustained at Phillip Island.

The Aprilia rider was battling with MarcVDS Honda’s Jack Miller over fifth place on the seventh lap of the Australian Grand Prix when he crashed trying to pass around the outside of the Doohan corner.

![Robert Cianflone/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/10/864199132.jpg)

Espargaro slid into the gravel and suffered a fracture to the fourth metacarpal on his left hand, and was advised by medical staff immediately afterwards to return home to Spain for surgery.

However, he opted against this and expected to be fit enough to race at Sepang this weekend. On Tuesday, the Spaniard announced on his Instagram account that he was suffering too much and will fly home tonight.

“Unfortunately, I will not be able to race in Malaysia,” he said.

“My hand is super painful, so tonight I fly back home for surgery.”

Aprilia has yet to confirm a replacement for the Spaniard, but is not obliged to for this race. However, should he be absent for the season final in Valencia next month the regulations stipulate the team must field a second bike.

Should the Italian manufacturer decide it wants a second rider alongside Sam Lowes this weekend, it can call on World Superbike riders Eugene Laverty and Lorenzo Savadori – both of whom having ridden the 2017 RS-GP during private tests.

Former grand prix rider Mike Di Meglio, who is Aprilia‘s official test rider, may also be called up to action.