Image: Supplied.

MX2 title challenger Sacha Coenen has avoided any further injury following his opening moto crash at the MXGP of Turkey on Sunday, where the Red Bull KTM rider’s championship hopes took a significant hit with only two rounds remaining.

The 19-year-old Belgian – who entered the round with a stomach illness – claimed second during Saturday’s qualification race directly behind title-rival Guillem Farres (Triumph Factory Racing).

Then, moments into Sunday’s opening moto, Coenen went over the bars in spectacular fashion, crashing out of the race before attempting to line up for moto two. Although he initially took the holeshot, he pulled out soon afterward and was credited with 15-14 moto results.

“A difficult day,” commented Coenen, who will move to the US full-time next season. “I was not feeling good this morning, and it was hard to focus, and even hard to really look ahead on track. I’m lucky to not get injured after that crash – one to forget, and we will try again.”

Coenen entered the round 25 points behind Farres, which now extends to 60 following the Spaniard’s overall win. Triumph Factory Racing teammate Camden McLellan moves into second in the standings, 50 points in arrears.