Karel Abraham withdraws from Sepang test

Karel Abraham has withdrawn from the Sepang MotoGP test with the right shoulder and back injuries he suffered in a big high-side crash at Jerez last week proving too painful to continue.

The Czech Republic rider managed less than five laps this morning on board the AB Cardion Ducati before he pulled out of the three-day Sepang test.

A cracked right shoulder blade and severe muscle bruising in his back made it impossible for him to continue and painkillers he took before riding this morning did little to ease his considerable discomfort.

Abraham told MCN: “I am in quite a lot of pain. I have a crack in my right shoulder blade but I don’t think that is the only problem. The muscles seem quite bruised too.

“I had a massage and when they started working on my head I also had some pain in my spine and it was not possible for me to keep riding. I have a lot of pain when I start to brake and I don’t feel like I have any power.”

Abraham is now hoping to be fit for the final pre-season test at the Jerez track in Spain, which gets underway on March 23.