Haga swops pain for points

From Yamaha Racing

Following a painful crash last weekend at the Salt Lake City circuit, Noriyuki Haga went on to astound doctors and race fans by climbing back on his R1 and taking a 10-point chunk out of Troy Bayliss’s championship lead.

Yamaha Motor Italia rider Haga fell heavily on the Saturday morning practice session, coming off after a collision with another rider at the Black Rock hairpin. After an examination by the circuit doctor it was revealed he had broken his collarbone in no less than three places and was advised that it was unlikely he would be able to manage any more than one or two laps in the next free practice session.

But instead Haga went on to not only ride Superpole but also race on the Sunday and take points away with him from round 6.

Haga flew to California on Monday for an operation by Doctor Arthur J. Ting. The operation was successful; Dr. Ting used a plate and eight screws to secure the break, ensuring that with a week of rest Haga will be a little sore but fighting fit to take on the WSB pack in the next round of the series at the Nurburgring in Germany June 15.

Haga now sits fifth in the championship standings, 72 points behind leader Bayliss with a further eight rounds to race.