Repsol Honda MotoGP rider Dani Pedrosa will miss the remainder of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend after fracturing his collarbone.
The Spaniard suffered a heavy crash at Turn 11 during second practice at the Motegi track and his injury will require surgery.
Pedrosa has won the Japanese GP three times in his MotoGP career but the heavy landing after his FP2 crash has now ruled him out of the race.
He limped away from the accident and was taken to the medical centre, where doctors assessed his condition and diagnosed a fracture of his collarbone.
His team has confirmed he will fly back to Spain tonight, where it is likely he will undergo surgery.
“I’m obviously very sad about what happened, as I was looking forward to racing in Japan at Honda’s home circuit and one of my favourite tracks,” he said.
“I was on the out-lap of my last run in FP2 when I momentarily lost the rear entering turn 11, and when the tyre found grip again it launched me in the air.
“There’s not much more to say; now I just want to focus on recovering in order to get back on my bike as soon as possible.
He will be replaced by 2009 250cc champion Hiroshi Aoyama, who has made 68 MotoGP starts and a best finish of fourth at the 2011 Spanish GP.
