It was a tricky qualifying day for Fantic Racing at the TT Circuit Assen for the eight round of the Moto2 World Championship.

Xavi Cardelus suffered a crash and fractured his 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones in his right foot while he was fighting for the Q2 access during the Practice 2 session on Saturday morning. He was declared unfit for the remainder of the Dutch GP weekend and will instead undergo surgery performed by Dr. Mir at the Quiron Dexeus Hospital in Barcelona. His condition will be evaluated in the upcoming days, Fantic Racing Moto2 hopes to have him back on the bike for the German GP at the Sachsenring.

Aron Canet was among the fastest riders in Practice 2, posting the third fastest time to secure his place in Q2. In the all-important qualifying session, a small crash didn’t allow him to complete the second stint and fight for the pole position, eventually finishing in P13. The pace and the feeling were good and he will aim to fight for the podium from row 5 in Sunday’s race. 

Aron Canet:

“Today we did a little change on the set-up for the qualifying. We couldn’t take advantage of the second tyre due to the crash. It was difficult to be on top but for sure we could have been in the top 5. Now we need to do a reset for tomorrow and give our 100% to do a great race.” 

Roberto Locatelli, Fantic Racing Moto2 Team Manager: 

“We feel very sorry for Xavi Cardelus, the whole Fantic Racing Team is with him and we wish him a speedy recovery. We can’t wait for him to be back on the bike. His condition will be checked before the next week race at the Sachsenring. 

Aron Canet was really fast in the practice sessions. An unlucky crash in the qualifying didn’t allow him to fight for the pole, he will start from the fifth row. We know his potential and for sure he will do a great comeback. It will be really important to find the right set-up and to manage the tyres well.“