Randy de Puniet breaks left ankle

British MotoGP podium finisher Randy de Puniet is facing a desperate battle to be fit for the next race in Brno after he fractured his left ankle in a motocross accident last weekend.

The LCR Honda rider was training with personal trainer and former moto cross world champion Yves Demaria when he crashed out, with medical checks confirming the 28-year-old had fractured his left ankle.

The Frenchman underwent surgery to have a screw inserted in the ankle, but he is facing a race against time to be ready for the Czech Republic GP in Brno, with practice due to start in just ten days.

The injury is a massive blow for de Puniet coming immediately after he claimed only his second MotoGP podium finish with a third place in tricky conditions at Donington Park last month.

He is due to have consultations with Clinica Mobile staff in the next few days to try and be fit for Brno, which sees the introduction of the new engine restrictions.
Riders will only be able to use five engines in the final seven races.