The MotoGP grid was cut down to 16 last weekend after Alvaro Bautista suffered a crash that fractured his left femur. Bautista has had successful surgery, and is now in Spain beginning his recovery.
Bautista fractured his femur on March 18th in Qatar, and immediately had surgery in Doha. The surgery went well, but a few complications caused Bautista to develop Comparmental Syndrome.
"The surgery (in Doha) was a success, but Bautista suffered some minor complications as he developed Compartmental Syndrome, which occurs when pressure within the muscles around the injury builds to dangerous levels," said Rizla Suzuki. "This pressure can decrease blood flow, which prevents nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells and hampering the healing process."
Bautista had a second surgery to relieve the pressure in Spain, which went well. Bautista's injury has been examined by various doctors, and they are now confident that Bautista will be able to make a full recovery.
The Rizla Suzuki team has not set a date for Bautista's expected return, but say that Bautista's goal for now is to be present at the Spanish GP on April 3rd. John Hopkins will be riding in his place for the Rizla Suzuki team at the Spanish GP.
