Image: Supplied.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy’s Aaron Tanti sustained fractured ribs during the second round of the World Supercross Championship (WSX) at Abu Dhabi, dashing his prospects in the 2023 Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX).

After contesting WSX last year plus the opening round of this year’s campaign in SX2, YZ450F regular Tanti stepped up to the premier class for round two with the outfit in place of the injured Grant Harlan.

The number nine qualified seventh fastest, but went down hard during the opening lap of the first final and was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Tanti is set to remain in the area for an extended few days before he will be allowed to travel back to Australia, sustaining fractured ribs among the injuries in the fall.

“Unfortunately, last night I was involved in a start incident, just tagging bars with a rider and then getting landed on – nobody’s fault as such, just a racing incident in a tight space,” Tanti recalled.

“I’ve sustained a few rib fractures and just some nice abrasions down my back, so I won’t be able to fly for a few days, but the healthcare is really great over here and I’m being looked after. Thank you to Craig for making sure everything is sorted and my partner for jumping on a plane to come over here and help me out. Thanks to all my supporters.”

With round two of the AUSX championship taking place this Saturday in Newcastle, the outcome from Abu Dhabi spells doubt over Tanti’s domestic SX1 challenge this year. He is currently sixth in the title race after Adelaide’s opening round, 10 points behind Fire Power Froth Honda’s Dean Wilson out front.