Rabat undergoes surgery after testing crash

The Marc VDS Honda rider crashed at Turn 11 on Tuesday during the opening pre-season test, injuring his left knee and right wrist.

He flew back to Europe that evening, with doctors Xavier Mir and Ignacio Ginebreda completing a two-hour operation at Hospital Universitario Dexeus on Wednesday night.

Scans showed that Rabat's quadricipital tendon in his left knee was damaged but not broken, and work included "cleaning and closing of a severe laceration and skin loss" in the joint.

Screws were inserted to stabilise a distal fracture of the radius in his right hand, along with a plate and screws for a fracture in the fifth metacarpal.

Rabat's right foot has also been immobilised based on a fractured toe, and his participation in the next test at Phillip Island from February 15 is in doubt.

He will remain in hospital until Monday, undergoing intravenous antibiotic treatment to minimise the risk of his knee becoming infected, when a rehabilitation programme will be determined.

"The good news is that the surgery Tito had last night was successful," Marc VDS team principal Michael Bartholemy said.

"Obviously the bad news is the extent of the injuries he sustained in the Sepang crash.

"The knee injury is the biggest issue because it was an open wound and the risk of infection is high, hence the need for him to stay in hospital over the weekend.

"On Monday, after a further assessment by doctors, we will have a clearer understanding of how long his rehabilitation will take and a realistic idea about a possible date for his return to action.

"We know Tito and he's probably checking flights for the Phillip Island test from his hospital bed already, but he needs to be realistic too.

"It makes no sense for him to return until he's fit enough for the physical demands that racing a MotoGP bike places on a rider."