MotoGP: Rins out for six weeks, Tsuda to replace at Jerez

Suzuki MotoGP rider Alex Rins will face at least six weeks out of action and potentially even longer, following surgery to fit two titanium plates to the wrist he broke during practice for the American Grand Prix last weekend.

The 21-year-old rookie suffered extensive damage to his left arm, including nerve damage that could further complicate his recovery time – but following successful surgery at the University Hospital Dexeus in Barcelona, Doctor Xavier Mir, who performed the operation, says he’s hoping for a full recovery.

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“Alex Rins has been operated on for displaced and dislocated left ulna and radius fracture, performing an open reduction and internal fixation with two locked titanium plates. Furthermore, yesterday he underwent a neurological test that confirmed an ulnar nerve injury by contusion. Within ten days he will begin the functional recovery of the wrist and forearm. An electromyography will also be performed to evaluate the recovery time of the ulnar nerve.”

And with the rider set to miss this weekend’s action at the Jerez round of the series, team boss Davide Brivio says that with Tsuda already scheduled to join the team for the post-race test, he was the perfect choice for a replacement.

“We are very happy that Alex surgery went well. This is the most important thing. Starting now he is facing a recovery period, but we are awaiting his comeback to 100% and we will be eager to have him back on our GSX-RR so he can display all the talent he has inside. Meanwhile, unfortunately, we have to replace him.

“And for Jerez we decided to give his bike to Takuya Tsuda, our test rider who will have his first opportunity to get real race experience. We will try to use the occasion to further the development of the bike. I would like to wish a fast and good recovery to Alex. We will be waiting for him and until then, we will try to prepare him the best bike possible for when he returns.”

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