Source: Supplied.

Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro will sit out this weekend’s penultimate round of the 2017 MotoGP World Championship in Malaysia as he recovers from a hand injury sustained at Phillip Island’s grand prix last Sunday.

The Spaniard crashed during the 27-lap race as he was battling in the lead group, ultimately suffering a fracture to the fourth metacarpus of the left hand which will be operated on this Thursday in Barcelona.

“The idea after the injury was to avoid surgery and to try to race here in Malaysia,” Espargaro commented. “Unfortunately, the situation is forcing me to go back home for surgery so that I will be able to fully recover for Valencia.

“In agreement with Dr. Mir, we agreed to have the surgery done on Thursday in Barcelona. It was an unfortunate crash, but I am already focused on the last race of the season where I want to demonstrate the level that the Aprilia RS-GP and I have reached.”

It’s a disappointing blow for the number the 41, who has displayed promising pace and results at recent rounds, including being fastest during Friday’s practice at the Australian grand prix. Espargaro is hopeful of returning for the season finale at Valencia on 12 November, while the team won’t source a replacement for this weekend.