Jorge Lorenzo will miss the next MotoGP test after suffering hand injuries in a training accident on Thursday.
The Spaniard was riding a motocross bike as part of his preseason preparations when he fell while traveling at approximately 20mph. Lorenzo sustained a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal and a displaced thumb. He has already had surgery at a Catalunya hospital.
"Dr. Augusto J Casanovas made an open reduction and osteosynthesis with a small titanium plate," said a Yamaha statement. "Lorenzo will require hand protection for four to six weeks."
He has been ruled out of the next Sepang test, which takes place in a fortnight's time, but is expected to be fit to ride in the final preseason sessions at Losail in the middle of March.