Alex Rins was successfully operated on this morning at the University Hospital Dexeus in Barcelona where they repaired both the ulna and radius displacement and dislocation fractures in the left forearm that he suffered after a crash during FP3 at Austin. That same day, Dr. Austin Hill stabilised the fracture and the Suzuki rider was able to return to Barcelona on Monday. Surgery was not possible before today, with the rider still suffering inflammation to the left arm.

Dr. Xavier Mir has fixed the broken bones in the forearm and the wrist in place with two titanium plates. As a result of the crash, the rider suffered an injury to the ulnar nerve that will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks with an electromyography test.

MotoGP: Rins undergoes surgery, will be replaced at Jerez by Tsuda

Rins will undergo his first treatments next week at the same hospital in Barcelona, while the active rehabilitation will start after a period of 10 days. Doctors will try to accelerate the recovery process of the rider, which they estimate to be somewhere between six to eight weeks.

It is up to Takuya Tsuda to stand in for Alex on the GSX-RR at Jerez. The Suzuki test rider will be competing in a Grand Prix for the first time, having previously raced in the All Japan Championship and various editions of the Suzuka 8 Hours.

“We are very happy that Alex surgery went well - commented team manager Davide Brivio - 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.”

Alex Rins added: “The surgery went very well according to what Dr. Mir told me. I would like to thank him personally for all his care and attention since the fall in Austin last Saturday, him and all his team for care they have given me these days in hospital. The messages I have received through social media have really encouraged me, especially the kindness that has been shown by every member of Team Suzuki. This fills me with the energy and desire to immediately begin my recovery and return to competition as soon as possible.”