Source: Supplied.

Octo Pramac Racing Ducati’s pre-season surprise Danilo Petrucci will miss next week’s Qatar MotoGP test on 2-4 March after sustaining a broken right hand at Phillip Island.

Italian charger Petrucci fractured the second, third and fourth metacarpal of his right hand following an incident at turn eight on the third and final day in Australia.

“It was not an easy test,” explained team manager Francesco Guidotti. “The weather conditions did not help us working on set up and Danilo’s accident is too big a price to pay. It’s never the right time to fall and hurt, but surely this is a particularly sensitive time.

“It is frustrating, we know, but we must look to the future with strength and determination. We have to focus on the Danilo’s recovery, the whole team is with him. We are confident that he will recover soon – the hope is that he will be on track for the GP in Qatar but now is too early to have a clear scenario.”

Petrucci was fastest on the opening day of testing at Phillip Island, ultimately finishing 11th fastest with a 1m29.995s laptime, three positions ahead of high profile teammate Scott Redding.