Espargaro a doubt for British Grand Prix with pain 'getting worse'

MotoGP championship contender Aleix Espargaro could miss Sunday's British Grand Prix after admitting his pain is "getting worse".

The Aprilia rider was thrown from his bike in the opening minutes of final practice and taken away by a stretcher, though fractures were fortunately later ruled out at the medical centre.

Espargaro returned to the track for qualifying, where he finished sixth and secured a starting spot two places behind championship leader Fabio Quartararo, but Aprilia admitted it may not be possible for him to race.

"Aleix's condition will be assessed in the coming hours because if the pain increases, he may not be able to participate in the race tomorrow," the team admitted.

Espargaro also appeared to raise doubt that he will be able to compete as he conceded his pain was increasing and, as such, featuring in the race at Silverstone may not be possible.

"I was feeling good on the bike, pushing hard, and the highside was rather violent. I'm in a lot of pain and it is getting worse, so along with the team and the docs, we decided it would be best for me to rest until tomorrow and then evaluate the situation after the warm-up," he told reporters.

"I'll obviously do everything I can to be on the track but, since we're talking about a part of the body that is highly stressed during riding, we'll have to see if it's possible."

Espargaro currently sits in second place in the riders' championship, 21 points behind Quartararo.