Image: Supplied.

Defending Endurance world champion Josh Hook has been forced out of the upcoming 2023 Suzuka 8 Hours following injuries sustained in a training accident.

Hook, 30, underwent surgery last week following a dislocated and broken clavicle, torn tendons and a torn bicep, resulting in his absence from the third round of the 2023 EWC season this weekend.

“Unfortunately I will not be competing in the FIM EWC Suzuka 8 Hours this year,” Hook shared. “After a training accident, I went straight to hospital for surgery to treat a dislocated & broken clavicle, torn tendons and torn bicep.

The surgery was successful and I’m back on the mend. I’ll be ready for the final Bol d’OR 24 hour. I’m very sorry to my team TSR and I wish them all the best for Suzuka 8 Hours. I wish I could be there. Good luck.”

Hook’s injury leaves Mike Di Meglio and Alan Techer as F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s only confirmed riders for the event, with the team currently second in the standings and just a single point behind YART Yamaha Official Team EWC.