The Honda Repsol rider lost control under braking and crashed hard on the entry to Turn 9, after just six minutes of practice, and sustained a triple fracture to the left collarbone.
Pedrosa has won four races so far this season (at Mugello, Sachsenring, Indianapolis and Misano) and is 56 points behind title leader Jorge Lorenzo with five rounds (125 points) to go.
However, due to the collarbone fracture he will likely miss the next three races. This means Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo has the title in his hands.
“When he crashed he suffered a multiple fracture of the left collarbone, and that requires an operation to have the best chance of returning to racing as soon as possible,” explained Michele Macchiagodena, MotoGP Medical Director. “But not for this race, of course.”
The 25 year-old Spaniard appeared to have injured his left ankle as well, but X-rays confirmed he sustained no fractures.
“First we need to know when he can be operated on, then we will know when he can race again. We will see him in Australia,” continued Macchiagodena. “We X-rayed the ankle as well and it is okay. He had old fractures but nothing new, just a small contusion.”
Valentino Rossi was fastest during today’s practice for the Japanese MotoGP at Motegi, followed closely by Pedrosa’s teammate Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo. Aragon winner Casey Stoner came fourth for Ducati.
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