[visordown.com] - Aoyama to replace injured Pedrosa

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Pedrosa will be out of action for at least two rounds.


REPSOL Honda test rider Hiroshi Aoyama is to replace Factory Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa with immediate effect as he undergoes surgery to fix arm-pump issues.

After the Qatar race on Sunday Pedrosa revealed that he was suffering with severe arm-pump and now it has been confirmed that the Spaniard is to undergo surgery once again to try and resolve the issue.

Pedrosa has attempted to find a solution over the winter as he struggled during the 2014 season with the problem, however the surgery the Repsol Honda rider had after Jerez in 2014 was unsuccessful.

Doctors had advised Pedrosa against further surgery and during winter testing there was no issue, however under the stresses of the race situation the problem is back.

Arm-pump is a common problem among motorcycle racers and is a build-up of pressure in the forearm, which causes pain, and eventually the muscle becomes too big for the area concerned.

After finishing in sixth place on Sunday, Pedrosa has returned to Spain and consulted with specialists in Barcelona and Madrid on Monday. They have recommended that he undergoes surgery as soon as possible.

To aid a quick recovery, special attention will be paid to closing the wound to decrease the risk of this problem arising again in the future.

“Obviously this isn’t the news I wanted to be sharing with everyone,” explained Pedrosa.

“However, after speaking with some key doctors and medical professionals that I trust, they are all in agreement that this is the only option for me.

“We will have the surgery on Friday and they will use a special technique to help close the wound to try and prevent this issue continuing to affect me. Let’s hope it’s a success.

“I want to thank all my fans for their support, but especially Honda, Repsol, Red Bull and all our sponsors for their understanding in this matter."

The Spaniards surgery is planned for Friday 3rd Aprila and the recovery time is expected to be around four to six weeks. In the meantime, Aoyama is set to replace Pedrosa at Austin and Argentina. There is no certainty as to whether Pedrosa will be recovered in time for Jerez in May or not.



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