KTM will be forced to test at Sepang without Dani Pedrosa as the former MotoGP star will have to undergo unexpected surgery.

The Spanish rider will face a broad and demanding process of physical recovery derived from the complex double stress fracture of the right collarbone that has recently been diagnosed.

The three-time World Champion will follow a meticulous medical planning that includes tissue repair surgery, with graft contribution constituted by its own stem cells, with what is pursued the best and most effective consolidation of the injured bone.

“Unexpectedly I had a double stress fracture in the right collarbone, just in a gesture of strength. Over the years I have had several fractures in that area and the last time was in three parts, leaving it sclerotic,” said a statement from the rider.

“The middle part does not have enough blood flow, creating osteoporosis, so it requires an effective solution to regenerate the bone and achieve adequate recovery. After undergoing several tests and medical consultations, the clear recommendation is the total recovery and bone health.”

This entire clinical process takes time and will prevent Pedrosa from continuing with the test program initially planned for the beginning of the year as a test rider for the KTM team.

Despite that, the first tests during the past month of December at the Circuit of Jerez have given Pedrosa a good start point in the development of the KTM and is totally involved in the project.