While Yamaha has yet to issue an official statement, it looks like Ben Spies will be forced to miss this weekend’s penultimate race of the 2012 season at Phillip Island, following his highside during yesterday’s MotoGP race at Sepang.
The unlucky American, who may have just added injury to insult to his nightmare season said, “My shoulder’s really sore from the fall but thankfully nothing too serious so I’ll be able to ride in Australia,” however Spies seems to have sustained a right shoulder injury (that may require surgery) and a fractured left rib, and now is returning to the US according to his Twitter account.
Spies will have to make a fast recovery if he wants to test the Ducati in the post-race, post-season test in three weeks time.
—————————————————UPDATE: Yamaha has finally issued the following press release confirming that Spies will be skipping the Australian GP.
Yamaha Factory Racing rider Ben Spies will not attend the Grand Prix of Australia at the Phillip Island circuit this weekend following injuries sustained during the Grand Prix of Malaysia on Sunday 21st October.
Spies fell whilst riding in extremely challenging wet conditions at the Sepang International Circuit.
An initial check by the trackside medical centre found no serious injuries however further tests conducted today in Kuala Lumpur have revealed injuries requiring surgery.
The Texan will return to the USA tomorrow, Tuesday 23rd October, to receive treatment for an AC shoulder separation, a cracked rib in the upper chest area and bruising to the lung.
Yamaha Factory Racing will not field a replacement rider at Phillip Island due to time constraints.
I’m lost for words.
We’ve had such a tough season with an unbelievable amount of bad luck.
We have always gone out there to give it 100% and it was the intention of both myself and my team to continue to do so at Phillip Island.
I took a really hard knock on Sunday and it’s now clear from today’s tests that I have some injuries that require immediate attention.
It’s disappointing to be heading back to the USA now instead of to Phillip Island but it’s obviously important to get the right treatment as soon as possible.
I’m sorry for my team and thankful for all the hard work they and Yamaha have put in so far; our current situation is not where we should be,” said Spies.
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