Marcel Schrotter suffers broken hand at Portimao, aims to be ready for Qatar

Marcel Schrotter remains confident of being fit for next month’s 2022 season opener in Qatar despite suffering a broken hand at the Official Portimao Moto2 test.  

The IntactGP rider was sixth fastest at the end of day two at the Algarve International Circuit, however, a fall during the opening session of Monday’s final day resulted in the German suffering a fracture to his left hand. 

Schrotter, who is still without a Moto2 win to his name - 2022 will be his tenth full season in the intermediate class - remains upbeat of not only making the first round, but being competitive following a 'positive test'. 

Schrotter added: "Overall, it was a positive test and that gives us all a great feeling. We have confirmed the good impressions from the first test in Jerez. 

"We've made a really good start to the new year after the long winter break and that was also the case here in Portugal. We did a good job and I felt much freer on the bike again. 

"I'm having more fun riding again and can also contribute in a completely different way. At the same time, we were always in front, regardless of the time or tyres. 

"Of course, we still have to go a step further, because some of the guys have simply made some more progress compared to us, but our goal from the beginning was to be at the front in every session. The pace was really good. The important thing was that I felt comfortable on the bike."

While the 29 year-old enjoyed somewhat of a return to form during the Portimao test, heading into a race weekend with lingering injuries is precisely what Schrotter didn’t need, especially as the upcoming season could be his last in Moto2 should he fail to perform. 

Speaking about the crash, Schrotter said: "Unfortunately, on the last day of the first session, I crashed right on the first lap. Sadly, I broke my hand in the process. 

"The test could not have ended any worse so shortly before the start of the season in Qatar in two weeks. 

"Once again, luck is not on our side. Nevertheless, the certainty that everything has worked great so far technically is worth a lot. 

"I'll do everything in my power to be ready for action again quickly. It will certainly be a challenge, but I've already raced with many injuries. I'm confident that I'll be able to compete in Qatar, especially as my team has done such a great job."