Suzuki has confirmed that test rider Takuya Tsuda will make his MotoGP debut at Jerez, with Álex Rins ruled out through injury.
Rins fell during practice for the Grand Prix of the Americas and sustained fractures to his left wrist and forearm, before undergoing surgery in Barcelona today (Thursday).
The broken bones in Rins’ forearm and the wrist were fixed in place by two titanium plates, with further tests revealing that he also suffered an injury to his ulnar nerve, which will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks.
Rins’ active rehabilitation will not start for another 10 days, with doctors estimating that he will not be able to return to track action for at least six to eight weeks.
The time frame involved suggests Rins may miss several rounds, with France (21 May), Italy (4 June) and Barcelona (11 June) all holding races within the indicated recovery period.
For Jerez, Suzuki has entrusted riding duties to tester Tsuda, who participated in pre-season group running at Sepang earlier this year.
“We are very happy that Alex surgery went well,” said team boss Davide Brivio.
“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.”
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