Jack Miller is set to return from injury at this month’s Australian MotoGP following a training accident in Andorra last week.
The Australian rider will miss next weekend’s Japanese GP after fracturing the tibia in his right leg when he put his foot down to prevent a slow-speed crash on Friday.
Miller, who was training on a trials bike near his European base, underwent surgery in Barcelona on Saturday morning.
A plate and eight screws were inserted to stabilise the fracture, with Miller already focussed on riding at Phillip Island.
He will undergo an intense program of physiotherapy designed to get him back on the bike for the #AusMotoGP.
“Obviously I’m both disappointed and frustrated to have to sit out the Japanese Grand Prix through an injury sustained while training, especially as it wasn’t even a crash!” Miller said.
“We were out trials riding and I put a foot down when I lost traction from the front tyre.
“Nine times out of ten that would have been the end of the story, especially at such a low speed, but this time I must have caught my foot on something and ended up fracturing my right tibia close to the knee.
“The injury has been stabilised with a plate and screws and I already have some movement, but it’s clear that I won’t be fit for Motegi.
Miller, Dutch MotoGP Race 2016
“However, I am determined to be back on the bike at Phillip Island and that’s what I’ll be working towards now with the physiotherapist.”
EG 0,0 Marc VDS Honda team principal Michael Bartholemy said Miller’s progress would be closely monitored.
“Jack was extremely unfortunate to end up with a fractured tibia from such a seemingly innocuous incident; it was just bad luck,” he said.
“The timing is also unfortunate, as we’re about to head overseas for three races in as many weekends, but Jack is adamant that he will miss only next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi.
“His aim is to be back on the bike for his home race at Phillip Island and the prognosis is good.
“He will work now with a physiotherapist to increase mobility in the injury and, together with his doctors, we will make a decision on whether he is fit to ride in Phillip Island immediately after the Japanese Grand Prix.”
By motogp.com.au