MotoGP: Casey Stoner to Undergo Surgery on Ankle - Out for the Czech GP at Brno

Casey Stoner is to return to Australia to have surgery on the ankle he damaged in the qualifying crash at Indianapolis. After studying the MRI scans made in Indianapolis, Stoner’s Australia doctors have advised him he needs surgery to correct the damaged ligaments he tore at Indy.

The move means that Stoner will definitely miss this weekend’s Czech Grand Prix at Brno. How quickly the reigning World Champion will return is uncertain, though the surgery will require several weeks to recover. Already 39 points behind Jorge Lorenzo in the title race, missing Brno will put Stoner at an almost insurmountable disadvantage in the defense of his championship.

The Repsol Honda team issued the following brief press release, and a press conference with further information is to be held at Brno at 3:30pm local time:

Stoner to go back to Australia to receive surgery

Casey Stoner will leave Brno this evening for Australia after his doctors advised him to have surgery on his damaged ankle.

This article was originally published on MotoMatters, and is republished here on Asphalt & Rubber with permission by the author.