KTM MotoGP test rider Dani Pedrosa has undergone a successful surgery on an injured right collarbone, but is expected to undergo a recovery period of at least three months.
Pedrosa retired from racing after 18 years in the MotoGP world championship, during which time he won the 125cc crown in 2003, back-to-back 250cc titles in 2004 and 2005 and 31 premier class races.
Signing a two-year deal to join KTM as test rider late last year, Pedrosa was expected to be riding at the Sepang pre-season test this week, but was forced to put his plans on hold after suffering a fracture to his right shoulder.
According to a press release, Pedrosa's shoulder was reconstructed using “osteosynthesis material and contribution of bio-graft with a dose of 40 million autologous stem cells.”
“At the moment, my mind is set on overcoming the current situation to continue working on the development of the KTM,” said Pedrosa.
“Much to my regret, I have not been able to participate in the pre-season test in Malaysia but I am following closely the work of the KTM racing factory.
“I hope to be with them soon on the track.”
Pedrosa made his first appearance on the RC16 during a two-day private test at Jerez – which renamed Turn 6 in his honour – last December.
The Spaniard had been rumoured to remain with Honda as its test rider, but later revealed HRC felt his small size would not allow him to offer its race riders useful feedback.
Honda team boss Alberto Puig also felt Pedrosa was not committed enough in his final years to be a MotoGP world champion, with Pedrosa taking to social media to rebuke this.
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