Yamaha Factory Riders to Miss Australian Grand Prix

Yamaha Factory Racing riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies will not ride in today’s Grand Prix of Australia following separate on track incidents by both.

World Champion Lorenzo was declared unfit to race after sustaining an injury to the fourth finger of the left hand during this morning’s warm up. He will travel to Melbourne to undergo plastic surgery to repair the damage. A post surgery report will follow.

Lorenzo’s team mate Spies received a hit to the head yesterday during the qualifying session after a high speed crash. After attempting to ride some laps in this morning’s warm up, the rider reached an agreement with team members that with reduced concentration attempting the race would be considered too dangerous for himself and other competitors.