Following successful plastic surgery in Australia, Yamaha Factory Racing rider Jorge Lorenzo has now flown home to Barcelona for a period of recovery.

As already confirmed the Mallorcan rider will miss this weekend’s Grand Prix of Malaysia, however he has publicly congratulated Australia’s Casey Stoner on winning the world title in 2011.

“Casey has had an incredible season with very few mistakes,” commented Lorenzo. “He has always been very strong and consistent so it has been very difficult to beat him. Congratulations to him, he has been the best this year and deserves his second title, a huge achievement as it comes with a different manufacturer.

“I would have liked to fight until the end, maybe until Valencia but the accident on Sunday has made it impossible. I am very proud of my team for all the hard work they have put in to take second in the championship.

“Now we have to think about next year and work as hard as possible to win again. After the crash I was very worried that I would not have full feeling in my finger again.

“After the excellent treatment I received I have been assured I will have complete feeling in nerves and tendons. This gives me good confidence – I can’t wait to get back on my M1 again!”

A decision on his participation in the final race of the season at Valencia will be made within the next two weeks dependent on the progress of his recovery.