Source: Pata Honda.

Following his turn one crash at Jerez on Monday during pre-season testing, Pata Honda rider Sylvain Guintoli chose to return to the UK for complete assessment of his injuries.

Yesterday afternoon the reigning World Superbike Champion underwent an MRI scan on his neck and back and had a further X-ray on his right ankle.

Despite severe bruising and some discomfort, it was confirmed that Guintoli sustained no fractures and the 32-year-old has begun his rehabilitation with physiotherapy and the use of a hyperbaric chamber.

“The back is still quite painful, but I can put some pressure on the ankle and I’m happy that there are no breaks,” Guintoli said. “The treatment has started and although it will take a while to settle down, I’m confident about being fit and ready to start the season at Phillip Island next month.

“In the end, it was frustrating to miss the test at Jerez, especially because the weather conditions were so good, but we have another two-day test in Australia before the first round and I’ve already had a chance to see the work that has been done to the CBR over the winter, so I’m excited and looking forward to the first race.”

Guintioli will form half of Pata Honda’s all-new 2015 WSBK line-up, alongside current World Supersport Champion Michael van der Mark.