Jorge Lorenzo breaks right hand

Jorge Lorenzo has suffered a massive pre-season blow after the 2009 MotoGP world championship runner-up broke his right hand in a motocross training accident yesterday (Thursday).

The 22-year-old was riding near Montmelo when he suffered a slow speed crash, injuring his right hand as he landed.

He was taken immediately to the Capio Hospital General de Catalunya and found to have a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal and a displaced thumb.

Dr. Augusto J. Casanovas inserted a titanium plate in the hand but Lorenzo, who was third fastest at the opening winter test in Sepang earlier this month, will require hand protection for four to six weeks.

The double 250GP world champion was discharged from hospital this morning but the injury means he is definitely out of the next test at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia on February 25-26.

The Fiat Yamaha team have confirmed Lorenzo, who will partner Valentino Rossi for a third year in 2010, will be fit to return to action for the final test session in Qatar in March.

The new season kicks off in Qatar on April 11.